Australian PM Anthony Albanese proposing a ban on social media usage for children under 16 is all the talk of the town now. Kids will not have access to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, Pinterest, Snapchat, Youtube and more if the law comes into force. The country decided to go ahead with such a proposal due to the various harmful effects of the pages on children's mental health, body image, digital addiction and social anxiety. A survey by India-based online survey firm LocalCircles found that at least 66% of parents feel their children are addicted to social media platforms, checking out videos, streaming apps and online games.
Around 10% of parents said their kids spend over 6 hours on such platforms. The parents also reportedly admitted to spotting negative behavioural changes in their children as a result, such as impatience, lethargy, and aggression. The Annual Status of Education Report released in 2023 also mentioned that in Indian villages, 90% of youngsters between the ages of 14 and 18 use smartphones, too.
WHO, Yale Medicine say how to intervene
According to the World Health Organisation, social media users report lower mental and social well-being and higher levels of substance use compared to non-problematic users and non-users. It says that interventions should address social media usage to make it age-appropriate, gender-sensitive, and culturally tailored. Youngsters should be taught how to develop digital skills in a healthy manner, healthy online behaviour should be promoted, and support should be provided for those at risk of problematic use.
Yale Medicine says that social media usage is also linked to sleep issues, attention disorders and even a feeling of exclusion in adolescents. Here's what parents can guide teens in social media usage:
1) Though experts are trying to fix the 'right age' for children's social media use, as a parent, you can take a call on it and restrict access to devices and wifi. You can give them 'dumbphones,' which are basic phones without browsers and other smartphone features.
2) When asking your child to avoid phone usage, you should lead by example. Do not indulge in tempting excessive browsing in front of them, as this can be a trigger. Give children the freedom to call out your excessive phone usage if they spot it.
3) Don't use the 'social media limit' as an excuse to spy on your child's privacy. Communicate openly with children and be mature in handling their mistakes. Establish a trusted channel between them so that the kids feel comfortable confiding in you if they make mistakes.
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