The internet is as dangerous for the adolescent mind as the streets of a crime-ridden city are for the innocent. This isn’t new information, but the dangers of social media have grown since the MySpace era. In response to the latest social media platforms and the trends that accompany them, parents should not allow their kids to get social media until after the age of 13, at the very least.
One of the more recent contributions to the study of the effect of social media on youth is that Tik Tok is suspected to cause certain kids to develop tics, according to research from the National Library of Medicine. Regardless of this, there have always been dangers to using social media. Whether it’s connecting with potentially dangerous strangers, the risk of p*rnographic content or other threats to young consumers, there is a reason that most social media apps require a minimum age of 13 for their users.
The consumption of Tide Pods led the list of blatantly foolish trends promoted on social media in 2018. Kids were challenged to eat shrink-wrapped laundry detergent, and many followed through making videos of the reaction they had to ingesting the soap. Much of its coverage (and coverage of other trends like the cinnamon challenge) can be summarized by the Washington Post’s heading “We don’t need to tell you why that’s a bad idea.”
In the face of such trends and the common dangers of social media, it is appropriate for parents to withhold access until their kids are older. Not only would parents follow the social media guidelines honestly, but they would also protect their kids from easy access to content that is not always age appropriate.
Christina Caron of the New York Times wrote that parents shouldn’t go “from 0 to 100” but rather introduce their children to technological social interaction without social media platforms. She gives the example of letting their children text a friend. She suggests that parents ease their children into social media usage and adjust (delete or add apps, restrictions, etc.) as needed to fit the distinct personality of the child.
In 2018, CNN Health reported that the average age of children who sign up for social media is 12.6 years old. That age is likely getting lower as time goes on as Cleveland Health recently reported that half of children 10-12 years old use social media.
Due to the various dangers and effects of social media, it is necessary that parents restrict their children from using social media until at least 13 years old. At that age, they may introduce those apps to their children so the process becomes more gradual and easier to monitor.
The digital media realm has long eclipsed the world without technology. Parents must know that times have changed and must adapt. When raising kids in our screen-run world, parents should strive to find a middle ground in their children’s early teenage years.
Bower is an opinion writer.Follow him on Twitter
FAQs
Considering safety and privacy, it's not advised that young people under the age of 13 be on social media. In fact, most social platforms require youth to be age 13 or older to sign up.
At what age should children be allowed to be on social media essay? ›
“I would say children under 13 years old should not have access to social media, if they do, they need to have full parental controls there, maybe with them watching it, but they shouldn't have their own accounts, in my opinion, as a nonparent,” Tucker said. Dr.
Why kids under 12 should not have social media? ›
Risks include being subject to cyberbullying and online harassment, placing inappropriate content online, Facebook depression, and decreased sleep. Cyberbullying is quite common and has frequently been in the news in recent years.
Why should 16 be the minimum age for social media? ›
'13 is too young'
The same science that tells us kids under 16 shouldn't operate motor vehicles also suggests they should probably stay off TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. The brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision making, doesn't fully develop until around age 25.
Why is 13 a good age for social media? ›
This minimum age requirement stems from 1998 US legislation which banned the collection of children's personal data without parental consent. For many parents, schools and cybersafety experts, this minimum age has become something of a benchmark.
What age should my kid get social media? ›
“There is not necessarily a magical age,” said Christine Elgersma, a social media expert at the nonprofit Common Sense Media. But, she added, “13 is probably not the best age for kids to get on social media.” The laws currently being proposed include blanket bans on the under-13 set when it comes to social media.
Is social media good or bad for kids? ›
Too much time on social media apps can lead to an increase in body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and low self-esteem. While this is particularly concerning for teen girls, reports show that 46% of teens 13 to 17 years old said social media made them feel worse about their bodies.
What are 5 negative uses of social media? ›
These negative effects include cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, addiction, the decline in face-to-face communication, self-esteem issues, social isolation, polarization, and echo chambers, cyber stalking and harassment, a decrease in privacy, and comparison and envy.
Should social media be banned for kids? ›
There's no reason they should be completely barred from ever using social media; however, I think it's best for children to learn proper internet skills — whether that be dealing with cyberbullying, safety or awareness — before they are allowed to use it as adults.
Why is social media good for teens? ›
Social media can provide benefits for some youth by providing positive community and connection with others who share identities, abilities, and interests. It can provide access to important information and create a space for self-expression.
Dr. Sarah Jerstad, the clinical director of psychological services at Children's Minnesota, said 14 years old is a healthy age to start social media. She got that age recommendation from a study on social media and youth mental health done by the U.S. Surgeon General.
What age should a kid get a phone? ›
Many experts suggest waiting to give your kids a smart phone until they are at least 13 years old or in 8th grade. "Try not to give into the peer pressure when your child says everyone else has a phone, so I need one too," she said. Dr.
How many kids under 13 are on social media? ›
According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2022, 68 percent of pre-teens were using social media applications. Overall, 47 percent of respondents aged 11 to 12 years were using TikTok, and 31 percent were using Snapchat.
Is TikTok safe for 11 year olds? ›
How safe is TikTok? Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). TikTok has different rules for different ages: Users under age 13 can't post videos or comment, and content is curated for a younger audience.
Is Snapchat safe for 12 year olds? ›
Snapchat's terms of service require users to be at least 13 years old. Bypassing these restrictions can expose younger children to content and interactions they may not be ready for. Don't overlook the Snap Map feature. While it can help friends stay connected, it also raises privacy concerns.
What age is TikTok for? ›
You must be 13 years and older to have an account.
If we learn someone is below the minimum age to have an account on TikTok, we will ban that account.
Why should 10 year olds have social media? ›
Should kids have social media? Social media is an important way for kids to connect with friends and peers. For children who are isolated, it can be a lifeline. But social media also has the potential to become addictive, to get them into trouble, and to harm fragile self-esteem.
Should children be allowed to use social media debate points? ›
Children Also Have A Right To Be Online
Social media is incredibly important for many young people. It keeps them connected with friends and extended family, provides a platform for creativity and self-expression, and enables civic participation and activism.
What is social media 250 words? ›
Social media has undeniably transformed the way we connect, communicate, and share information in the digital age. It has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to interact with friends and family, engage with global communities, and stay updated on current events.
Why should social media be banned for under 18? ›
Yet young children are increasingly joining social networking sites, sometimes putting themselves in harm's way by engaging or being targeted by cyberbullying, dangerous “challenges,” online harassment, misinformation, and more before they understand the dangers and/or know how to respond appropriately.
