The internet occupies a large space in our lives whether we like it or not. It is intertwined with our daily tasks at school, at work, and at home. We pick up our conveniently sized smartphones and scroll endlessly through the unlimited internet void. Subconsciously we pick up the language we see online, resonate with the opinions repeated onto us, and yearn for the material goods advertised to us. The pervasive influence of social media is amplified for developing brains, therefore adults should take greater initiative and prohibit their children from entering the world of social media prematurely.
Many media applications acknowledge these matters and specify the requirements needed to participate in the sites. Many of the restrictions prohibit children under the age of 13 from having access to their sites. Instagram’s terms of use, “[require] everyone to be at least 13 years old before they create an account.” In addition, other social media sites such as TikTok require their users to be at least 13 years of age. However, it seems like these limitations are not concrete and children can bypass them to be involved in the applications.
In a 2021 report conducted by Common Sense Media, 38% of children between the ages of 8 and 12, in the US, use traditional social media platforms, and according to the infographic, this trend is rising. This is very concerning because a presence on social media prematurely exposes children to content not suitable for their age, and cyberbullying. Not to mention the severe effect it has on mental health.
Intense exposure to online content hinders organic development. The world in our cell phones is much more polarized and idealistic compared to the real world. Children who are exposed to the chaotic atmosphere of social media become overwhelmed and develop countless psychological issues. As an article written by research scientist Dr. Linda Charmaraman says, “Research demonstrates that adolescents’ exposure to online discrimination and hate predicts increases in anxiety and depressive symptoms.”
Once parents hand their children an entrance to the internet, their parenting style should incorporate heightened awareness and proactive engagement. The lack of boundaries placed between children and the internet prevents absorbing brains from understanding what’s right and wrong. It’s a concerning reality that children with smartphones are navigating uncharted territory, continually without the guiding hand of parental influence. The consequences are detectable as these young children’s minds are shaped by social media, creating mental health issues that are less prevalent outside of internet use. Children deserve to have an authentic childhood surrounded by the natural world beyond the internet. Adults should promote healthy technology use by limiting screen time and encouraging time spent in nature, or learning a new skill.
