It is your 24/7 companion within arm’s reach, your brain’s external hard drive.
For many teens the news that an increasing number of countries are considering banning children younger than 16 from using social media is unsettling. So many hours of their lives are spent on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram or other platforms. But may those hours be too many?
In December last year Australia became the first country to ban social media for those under 16. Access is restricted to several platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. They do have access to WhatsApp and YouTube Kids. Several other countries are considering similar measures.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez appropriately called social media the digital “Wild West”, as there are few rules and control. He believes measures should be put in place to keep children safe.
Other countries that have started the process or are considering such a ban include Denmark, France, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Malaysia and the UK.
The European Parliament stated lawmakers were calling for a harmonised EU digital minimum age of 16 for accessing social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions, while allowing 13- to 16-year-olds access with parental consent.
Are these measures really necessary? These devices have become such an integral part of post-modern life.
Several studies have found that some content on risk taking, and negative posts or interactions on social media as well as spending lots of time on social media are linked with self-harm, low self-esteem, poor mental health and well-being in teens.
But social media are not all bad news for teenagers. There are many upsides too.
Some social-media platforms offer teens the opportunity to express themselves and connect with other teens locally or over long distances. They offer learning opportunities in subjects that interest young minds. In support groups youngsters learn how others in their shoes cope with difficult situations. In moderated chat forums they may be encouraged to talk about issues they’d otherwise be hesitant to ask questions about, such as their mental health or other health issues.
NovaNews, Standard Breerivier Gazette’s online platform, recently ran a poll across all its publications’ social media asking if South Africa should follow Australia’s lead and ban social media for children under 16.
ALSO READ: Expert, parents back social media ban for SA’s under-16s
The overwhelming response from people across the country was that yes, measures need to be put in place to keep the youth safe. Many said youngsters should not have phones as they expose them to things they are just too young to deal with.
Big tech companies such as Meta Platforms, owner of Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook as well as Google’s YouTube, are currently defending themselves in a lawsuit in the US that claims it targeted young users, knowing the platforms were addictive.
In the face of this worldwide backlash against social media, what should South African teens do? With thorough studies proving that there is a serious downside to spending too much time on social media, especially in negative online communities, it would be a wise young person that takes ownership of his or her use of these platforms.
Ask the hard questions. How much time do I really spend on my phone? Is it keeping me away from other important interactions or activities?
Are the online communities I am part of healthy for me or do they drag me down? Am I using it as a place to hide and should I rather speak to a real person about my problems?
