When is social media appropriate for kids?
Social media is ubiquitous. Everyone’s on it, scrolling through it, commenting, liking, sharing. The upside is that social media is endlessly entertaining and informative. Think of all the world firsts and breaking news that you heard on Twitter, the viral memes and trending hot topics.
So, everyone and their mother is on social media – what about your kids?
As a parent, you’ll need to make the call on when your child receives a cellphone or access to the computer and online activities. Generally, around 12-13 years old would be an appropriate age to allow your child social media access. But with this milestone comes a host of other online intricacies.
Online maze
There are loads of online platforms and apps out there. Amongst the most popular are Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok. Each platform has different particulars and pitfalls. For almost all though, you want to keep an eye on the type of content that reaches your child’s grasp.
Twitter feeds, for example, often have auto-playing videos that may not be age appropriate. Instagram, too, regularly displays inappropriate content (revealing pics, violent imagery) for kids’ eyes. If your children are on these platforms, ensure that the parental controls are in place.
An inescapable side-effect of image-driven social media (like Instagram) is the effect it can have on your child. Thanks to easily accessible filters and photo manipulation tools (so easy, even a child could do it!), your teenager could be super vulnerable to low self-esteem and body image from the so-called perfection they see online.
It can also be worrying to know that social media “likes” and appreciation (or lack thereof) can significantly impact your child. Literally.
From a 2017 report on social media and how it affects girls (US based): “Girls who spend the most time using technology (8+ hours/day) are five times more likely to say they are sad or depressed nearly every day compared to girls who spend four or fewer hours.”
How much is enough?
First, create and stick to your family’s policy on cellphones, personal laptops and access to social media apps. Then, set time limits for your child’s foray into social media. It doesn’t have to be every day; you could restrict social media usage to weekends only. How much and when is completely at your discretion.
What to watch for:
- Apps and platforms that track location, like Snapchat and Instagram. Another potential red flag with Snapchat is that pictures are meant to have a temporary lifespan and “disappear” within a certain period. Using this knowledge, teenagers and pre-teens could send inappropriate pictures, thinking that they are safe.
- Lack of age restrictions. TikTok, for example, says that you have to be at least 13 years old to use the app, but there really isn’t any way of enforcing this rule and anyone can download the app. Also worrying: everyone’s profile defaults to public, so strangers could contact your child.
- Disturbing content. YouTube does have controls that you can set to maximise your child’s protection, but harmful and even predatory comments are commonplace.
- Sexual content. Here’s a worrying one, so make sure your child’s Facebook page is tightly locked up. Tinder (dating app) can automatically connect with Facebook and your child could be at risk of inappropriate advances. Block the app completely on your child’s phone.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.