The debate over whether age restrictions on social media are essential or not has persisted for years. Now, Australia’s recent proposal to set a minimum age for children has reignited this global discussion. Furthermore, parents’ concerns about protecting their children online continue to grow. And, the government suggests an age limit between 14 and 16 for social media use. This technique aims to shield kids from excessive screen time, mental health struggles, and unrealistic social comparisons. However, while this proposal encourages us to rethink how to safeguard the next generation, is an outright ban really the best solution? Moreover, can we expect it to work, or are we simply avoiding the problem? So, let’s discover three reasons why age restrictions on social media platforms are essential.
Why Age Restrictions on social media are essential?
A study by Ofcom shows that nearly 80% of 12-year-olds already have social media accounts. Most social media platforms don’t enforce strict age verification methods. And, kids easily bypass age restrictions by entering a fake birthdate. Consequently, young users gain access to content unsuitable for their developing minds. As a result, they become vulnerable to cyberbullying, inappropriate material, online predators, and screen addiction. Despite these risks, many have brushed off concerns, allowing younger children to use social media freely. However, waiting until kids are older could significantly reduce risks like sexting and harmful exposure. Hence, stricter age limits could help protect children from the negative effects of premature social media use. So, let’s understand three reasons why age restrictions on social media are essential.
1. Children’s personal information is at risk.
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed in 1998, protects all children under the age of 13. This Act requires website operators and online services to notify and obtain permission from parents before collecting personal information from their children. This includes sensitive data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and screen names. Additionally, companies cannot collect geolocation data that identifies a child’s exact location, nor can they gather any images, videos, or audio files featuring the child’s likeness or voice. COPPA also restricts the collection of identifying information, like cookies, IP addresses, and unique device identifiers (UDID) for mobile devices. However, COPPA fails when a 9-year-old falsely claims to be 13. If a child under 13 creates a social network account using a fake birthdate, this federal law cannot protect their personal information from being collected and shared with third-party advertisers.
2. Children under 13 don’t have the hardware upstairs to make smart decisions online.
Just because kids appear tech-savvy at younger ages doesn’t mean their brains develop at the same pace. Research indicates that children need about 12 years to fully develop cognitive abilities for ethical thinking. Before this age, it’s challenging for them to understand the impact of their actions on others. Yet, many young children are increasingly joining social networking sites. Consequently, they often put themselves at risk. Sadly, they can become victims of online harassment, solicitation, and cyberbullying. This happens before they are ready to handle such situations appropriately.
3. To save your child’s childhood.
Children don’t really need social media, no matter what anyone says. During the ages of 5 to 15, kids should enjoy true freedom from societal pressures. Their main focus should be on playing, studying, making friends, cultivating hobbies, and learning important life skills. Unfortunately, social media encourages kids to stay home and become glued to their phones instead of playing outside with friends. Furthermore, interacting with peers outdoors enhances their communication skills and supports cognitive development. In fact, social media can stifle their childhood by keeping them tethered to screens when they should be laughing, playing, and running around. Ultimately, this reliance on devices limits their physical, mental, and emotional growth. So, it is important have age restrictions on social media to encourage them to have a real life, and not a reel life.
Also Read: 7 Best Tips to Set Healthy Screen Time Limits for Toddlers
