Social Media and Kids

Over the last couple of days you may have read or heard news about the South Australian government taking initial steps towards banning social media for all children under the age of 14.

If not, you can read their official statement here: Nation-leading move to protect our children from social media | Premier of South Australia

I was struck by some statements made by Sonya Ryan OAM, who is the Founder and CEO of The Carly Ryan Foundation. She said:

Social media presents a ‘profound risk of harm’ for kids. Children do not have the life experience or the cognitive and executive functioning to think through harmful situations online, sometimes placing themselves at real physical risk.

Children are exposed to harmful content, including dangerous viral trends, pornography, online predators looking to sexually exploit them, cyberbullying and sextortion.

Numerous studies show that social media use among young children is linked to adverse effects, including unrealistic expectations and perceptions which can lead to severe depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep, low self-esteem, poor body image, eating disorder behaviours and online harassment.

While seemingly shocking, these are sometimes the reminders that we need. Yes, the ability for children to connect online does have some benefits, but the risk and impact it presents is unavoidably large and well documented.

Many social media platforms, thanks in part to pressure from European legislation, already have age limits for users. Even in these cases, parental guidance and support is vital. Just as we work with our children to be safe on the street, in the shops and in other social settings – and to learn to make wise choices in all areas of life – we also need to walk with them, guiding and occasionally making the hard choices for them, through the digital life.

For more information, ideas and support around internet safety for our kids, I encourage you to click the link below.

Internet safety for children 6-8 years | Raising Children Network