3. Should we ban social media until a certain age?

 Many people believe it comes with the implicit guarantee that social media services are acceptable and safe for children over the age of 13. They also believe they are dangerous for youngsters under the age of 13.

However, children also have the right to be online.

For many young individuals, social media is quite significant. It allows individuals to stay in touch with friends and family, gives a platform for creativity and self-expression, and promotes civic involvement and action.

Social media also allows access to like-minded individuals and groups that may offer solidarity and support, particularly to underprivileged youth.

Children, especially adolescents, have the right to engage in online environments, including social media usage.

According to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to "meaningful access to digital technologies" in order to fully realise their civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights.

Really, there’s no correct answer to this question. I personally think that we shouldn’t ban social media until a certain age because we learn from our mistakes. If the kids are kept safe till they are “mature enough”, how would they be able to deal with their problems? We must teach them the correct ways of using social media and how to deal with problems rather than isolating them from modern technology.

What do you think?

Kaho

Resources:

Is 13 too young to have a TikTok or Instagram account? (2023, February 10). The University of Sydney. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/02/10/is-13-too-young-to-have-a-tiktok-or-instagram-account-.html

Keetch, G. (2020). THE BIG DEBATE-Should social media be banned for under 18s? The Badger. https://thebadgeronline.com/2020/10/the-big-debate-should-social-media-be-banned-for-under-18s/