Yes: Isabella Cantin
As we all know, the future is online. Social media serves as the ultimate hot spot for marketing, spreading news and entertainment. Although these platforms are incredibly useful, they are also dangerous for young minds. There are little to no restrictions on them and children can be exposed to anything and everything. There are age limits in driving, drinking and attending adult events, so why not social media?
Social media is proving to be more and more harmful each day, maybe even more harmful than real life. The kind of exposure that comes from a single app is damaging. Although the permitted age is visible in the App Store, it is too easily accessible for young children to simply lie about their age in order to gain access. There needs to be stricter regulations in place for the sake of today’s children and more importantly for future generations. We have already seen how the media has affected the world of today, but what about in the future when every single aspect of life revolves around the internet? If there are no age restrictions on social media now, then when? It is not the same as a movie rated PG-13 or R, the media is full of the harsh reality of real life and artificial intelligence that can create a magnitude of things from a few words typed into a computer. Australia recently passed a heavy ban on social media for teenagerss under 16, restricting Tiktok, Snapchat, Instagram and other streaming apps. Their existing profiles were deactivated and they can no longer make new accounts. There was a lot of backlash surrounding the ban, however, it has proved to be effective in regards to the restricted access to young teenagers. Although there have been some breaches, for the most part the ban holds strong. Maybe the U.S. can learn something from Australia’s new policy.
It can also be said that the internet takes the wonder and whimsical nature out of childhood. How many restaurant experiences are now ruined by toddlers glued to a giant tablet rather than engaging with their family or simply eating? An absurd amount. A vivid memory of mine is when I transitioned from a Montessori school to a traditional public school. I once saw magic in everything, even fantastical things like fairies and mermaids. After I switched schools, I soon realized my new peers were not exploring the magic of nature. Instead, they were scrolling on their phones and playing video games. The media is an escape from reality. In adult life, it is nice to escape every once in a while, but children need the foundation that comes with exploring the world through their curious eyes. The need to find their own way to navigate the world before becoming corrupted by social media’s influence.
Yes, there are kids’ movies with important lessons within them. The point I am making is not one for banning any and all internet use, but rather social media and the non-strict age limits on apps.
There needs to be a time period for children to grow and learn the world for themselves without the impure influence of social media. Among other things, social media is the killer of youth.
No: Jordan Glassman
Social media is quickly becoming the most prominent form of communication. The term “OK boomer” was quite literally formed as an insult against people from older generations who are unable to understand new devices. Preventing children from accessing technology would cause an even greater rift in the already vast technological gap, one that we as a society should be trying to close.
A well-known saying among kids is that strict parents create sneaky children, and this point is only furthered when it comes to technology. When kids are prevented from accessing social media by their parents, especially without a good reason, it leads those kids to try and find ways around those rules.
Oftentimes, this can lead to even greater issues if a child gets into trouble with someone who leads them into a dangerous situation. For example, if a stranger gets in communication, or if they are being cyberbullied, they are less likely to turn to a parent for help. As a result of hiding their use of social media from their parents, kids will not turn to their parents for guidance for fear that they will be more upset about them lying than the danger they are in.
Another important benefit of social media is the way it allows kids to stay connected to each other, especially in a world where face-to-face interaction is not always possible. Group chats, shared posts and messaging apps help students maintain friendships outside of school hours and strengthen bonds that might fade otherwise. For kids who move schools, feel shy in person or struggle to fit in socially, social media can provide a sense of belonging and a way to communicate without the pressure of in-person conversations. These platforms allow friendships to continue beyond the classroom and help kids feel supported even when they are physically alone.
Social media can also be a powerful space for creativity and expressing oneself. Kids use platforms to share art, music, writing, and ideas, which can boost confidence and encourage individuality. In addition, social media gives young people access to communities centered around their interests, which could be sports, activism or academics. These connections can inspire awareness and empathy by showing kids that others share their struggles and passions. When used responsibly, social media is not just a distraction, but a tool that helps kids learn how to communicate, collaborate and understand the world around them.
It is up to parents to decide when the right time is for their child to access social media, but they should realize that at a certain point they are depriving their kid of having a “normal” childhood.
Many can agree that middle school is a little early, but if by freshman year their child is begging because all of their friends have it and they feel left out, maybe giving in to their wishes is not so bad. One of the worst feelings in the world is feeling alone because everyone else is bonding over something that you do not understand, and with social media, this situation is easily avoidable. Rather than shelter children from social media, parents should have a quick conversation about required boundaries on these apps to build trust between them and their child. This will help ensure that both parties feel safe and respected.
While I am not advocating for unrestricted social media access for children of all ages, I am saying that having it as a tool as kids grow up is very important. Being able to see and experience people from around the world with different lives is crucial to becoming a kind, responsible person, and the easiest way to do that is through social media.
