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Opinion: Social media dominates young people’s lives. It also exposes them to harm. Should we limit teens’ access to social media platforms?
By Debra Carr
Black Iowa News
A recent school shooting in Perry, Iowa, has triggered dialogue about transformational solutions to protect and promote the well-being of young people. One such consideration is a proposal to limit the use of social media platforms for young people under 18. Escalating societal challenges, rising rates of teen suicidal thoughts and the pervasive impact of social media-induced stress have influenced conversations about proactive strategies for eliminating violence in our schools and communities. Advocating for limitations and expanded responsibility by tech giants regarding proposed age restrictions may help mitigate immediate threats and contribute to the long-term well-being of adolescents.
A recent dialogue with young people was met with mixed feelings about limiting access to social media platforms. Social media posts can provide clues into patterns of behavior. However, the discoveries are often made after a crisis. Addressing root causes requires a comprehensive approach. Instead of proposing reactive measures like arming teachers or placing officers at every school, the focus should shift towards proactive solutions. These types of strategies counter the dark side of social media.
The current landscape and call for change
Adolescence is a critical period of development. Exposure to the unfiltered world of social media often amplifies the challenges young people face. Social media platforms, while providing connectivity, have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, imitating violent acts, and promoting unsafe activities. The added pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the need to secure likes from others also contribute to heightened stress levels. Data has shown that the online behavior of young people has escalated into serious threats. These threats have created conflicts in classrooms, school hallways and events nationally. Advocating for age limits on the use of social media sites offers a buffer, allowing teenagers to develop a stronger sense of self before navigating the complexities of the digital realm.
Parental guidance and community support
Parents play a pivotal role in navigating the digital landscape with their children. Implementing an age restriction provides an opportunity for parents to discuss responsible online behavior and instill values that promote positive interactions prior to a potential crisis.
Communities can help by organizing awareness campaigns, workshops and support groups to educate both parents and young individuals about responsible online behavior. Courses have been created to promote safe online digital education and provide resources. However, many adults did not grow up in the digital age and are not as familiar with available resources and supports. Often, young people are educating their parents on social media platforms and the digital lingo commonly used. Parents struggle to keep up with rapidly changing online social media platforms. This contributes to a disconnect between social media use and parents’ awareness of the activity.
Current social media platforms have a few safeguards and age requirements. The typical age of access is generally 13 or 14 years old. Yet, for many years, young people have used these platforms before they reached the proper age. Verification of age is self-reported by entering a date of birth without having to submit proof of age prior to using the platform.
Encouraging open communication between parents and children is ideal. Fostering an open and supportive environment among parents and children can help discover potential obstacles and barriers prior to an incident happening. A sense of safety, belonging and love goes a long way in promoting healthy relationships and maintaining positive well-being.
Potential benefits of age restrictions
- Protecting Mental Health: Limiting social media use until the age of 18 provides a buffer against the stress associated with seeking validation through likes, shares and comments. This can significantly reduce the prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents.
- Preventing Cyberbullying: By delaying access, we create a safer environment for teens to develop emotional resilience before navigating the complexities of online interactions.
- Countering Unsafe Opportunities: Age restrictions mitigate the risk of young people being targeted by predators or falling victim to sex trafficking schemes.
Legislative changes: A call to action
Advocacy for legislative changes is imperative to hold social media corporations accountable for the well-being of young users. These changes should mandate age verification processes and restrict access to certain features until the age of 18. This approach aligns with the evolving understanding of adolescent development and the need for protective measures.
Initiating change post-Iowa: Recognizing the gravity of online threats
The aftermath of a school shooting underscores the urgency of addressing online threats initiated by young individuals. Young people may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions. Age restrictions can act as a preventative measure, reducing the likelihood of such incidents by limiting access to potentially harmful online behaviors. These limitations could also serve to minimize compromising behaviors posted online that troll a young person’s life for years to come.
A comprehensive approach to safety
Implementing age restrictions on social media is not to stifle access, expression and ways to communicate. Rather, it is a crucial step toward fostering a safer digital environment. Combined with parental guidance, community support and legislative changes, we can create a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of adolescents. It is a call for legislative changes to create a safer, more secure online space that nurtures the well-being of our youth.
Debra A Carr is a life-long learner, cause-minded socialpreneur, social justice & equity advocate, mom, fashion lover, executive coach, business consultant, counselor and social worker. Debra is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Social Work, a licensed master social worker, certified financial social worker, member of academy of certified social workers and certified nonprofit management professional. This was originally printed in Black Iowa News.
