Children’s Use of Technology and Social Media

Many kids use the Internet through devices like computers, phones, and tablets. Parents allow this, but often can’t control how much their kids use it. Kids as young as 15 have profiles on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. These sites let them talk to people they know or even strangers.

Imagine the Internet as a big, open playground where people share their lives using social media. But, this playground isn’t always safe. There are problems like cyberbullying, privacy worries, and even bad stuff like alcohol and tobacco pictures. Kids can also see adults talking about things like drugs, sex, and alcohol on social media, which can influence them. Sometimes, adults online can even trick or harm young kids, which is scary.

So, kids under 15 shouldn’t use social media. It can hurt their school grades, change how they act, and cause privacy troubles. Social media can be like a time-eating monster, not just for adults but for teenagers too. Social media isn’t a good idea for kids under 15. Why? Well, it can make their school grades drop because they spend too much time on it. They might start acting differently because of what they see online, and it’s not always safe. They could meet strangers who aren’t who they say they are, and that’s really risky.

Social media can also change how teenagers think, and it’s meant for people who can make smart choices. So, it’s better for kids to wait until they’re older and wiser.

Social Media Safety for Your Child

• Have an open conversation with your children about their social media use.
• Encourage them to behave well on the internet and reach out to you in case of harassment.
• Teach them about “stranger danger” and never to share their personal information.
• Learn what apps your child uses and how they affect or benefit them.
• Have them report anything offensive to the site management .

Kids and Social Media

• Out of 2,000 parents, 47% have allowed their kids to access social media, and another 31% don’t allow them to create accounts on any platform.
• Of those whose kids are already online 69% think their kids are mature enough to be there and 60% say it’s important for them to feel connected.
• More than 88% said they have a strict curfew when it comes to their child’s social media consumption.
• Parents encourage online safety by telling their kids to

Why Age Limits on Social Media Are Essential for Kids

• It’s not “ok” to lie about age: All social platforms have age limits so if your child has an account under that age, they had to enter a fake birthdate. Would you be okay with someone selling your underage child alcohol or cigarettes? Is that a precedent you’re willing to set.
• Marketing and Privacy: The children’s online privacy protection act (COPPA) protects children under 13 from having their personal information shared by 3rd party advertisers. This can include location tracking and a user’s online behavior.
• Effect on the Brain: Social interactions, such as receiving likes releases a chemical in the brain called “Dopamine”. Which is associated with addictions such as gambling, drug and sex. That’s not to say that everyone will become addicted, but why risk it?
• Impact on Happiness: Studies have shown that kids who spend a significant amount of time a day on social media are more likely to suffer depression and are at a higher risk for suicide. Kids on social are more isolated than those who spend time elsewhere.
• Overall Maturity: Children cannot be expected to make the same decisions as an adult, no matter how mature they seem. They need to learn the different between privacy and safety, understand how words effect others and not be susceptible to risky activities that seek affirmation. Experience comes with age.

Challenges for Parents

Half of children ages 10 to 12 and one-third ages 7 to 9 use social media. A recent poll of parents with children ages 7 to 12 identified the areas of children’s social media use that parents struggle to control.

• 1 in 6 parents don’t use parental controls.
• 40% of parents don’t have time to monitor their children’s social media use.
• 25% of parents can’t find information to set up monitoring.
• 32% of children find ways to circumvent parental controls.

Enhancing Kids’ Skills at Home

• Showing Love and Respect: Developing a sense of gratitude towards the community and all those who serve us is an essential characteristic
• Self-Belief, Confidence and Courage: Courage to face any situation can help a person to lead a successful life. Self belief, confidence and courage are three important traits that determine the success of person.
• Emotional Management: Building a good emotional infrastructure can help a person to cope up with several difficult situations.
• Communication Skills: The interaction skills of a person are essential for building contacts and making a stand in society.