Social Media rules the modern society. Its popularity has grown amongst young people over the years. It operates under platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
It has eased communication, promoted globalization and cultural diversity and has served as one of the main sources of information in this modern age.
But aside all the positives, as a source of information, is it safe to expose children to social media at an early fragile age? If not, what age is it appropriate to expose kids to Social Media?
I chanced upon a Twitter space one time where the particular topic was discussed. One party argued that it is not safe to expose your child to social media until they are at least 18.
Supporting their argument with plausible points which focused on negatives such as unfiltered content (aggressive, curses, pornography etc), cyber-bullying, targeted advertisement, or the child themselves uploading inappropriate content which could have mental effects on them.
The opposing party however argued that it is not all negative on social media thus it’s safe for children to be exposed to social media regardless of age.
Supporting their argument with valid positive points such us digital media literacy, creativity building, learning and connection with peers.
I FOUND PARTS OF BOTH ARGUMENTS AGREEABLE
Until at least their teenage years, children believe almost every information they come across. And whatever is fed to them, sets up to build the foundation for whom they become.
A child born in a Christian home, is highly likely to adopt Christian doctrines and build their life around Christian beliefs and teachings.
Equally, a child born in a Muslim home adopts Islamic doctrines and teachings. It is rare that children grow up to completely oppose the information gained from childhood.
So it is best the information they gain from birth till their teenage years comes from trusted sources like parents and teachers. If social media is going to be involved, it has to be highly monitored and filtered but not over-monitored.
In the sense that, they need to be able to feel free enough to do what they do without feeling the need to hide it from their parents. Then the parent can keep track and provide the necessary advice.
If the parent is not available to do the monitoring, then there’s the necessity to restrict the child’s social media life keenly.
MONITORING THE CHILD’S SOCIAL MEDIA
- Creating awareness by talking about social media and its risks with the child
- Making time for yourself to personally scrutinize the child’s social media activities
- Keeping up-to-date with social media yourself as a parent so you can understand what you are dealing with and what the child is doing.
- Discussing trending social media matters with them and encouraging them to save and share matters of concern
RESTRICTING OR SETTING UP GUIDELINES
- Setting up time periods, how long and at what times the child can use social media. To manage addiction. For eg. Times for lessons, when eating etc
- Setting up rules on the kind of content and comments they make.
- Accepting friend requests from only people whom they can identify.
Paakwesi Natty
Creating awareness by talking about social media and its risks with the child.
Very educative piece out there. Thank you for sharing