Teenagers will find a way around bans. They should be taught how to navigate the digital world safely instead.
Is a ban on social media for kids under 16 a solution, as Australia has recently proposed? Both in Australia and India beg to differ. While experts in Australia have sent an open letter to their PM, saying the ban is “too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively”, those in India feel it’s tough to implement bans as users find ways to circumvent them more often than not. Social media literacy is far more important than bans they believe, in protecting children and teens from the ill-effects of digital excess.
“Social media has become such as integral part of life that we cannot expect complete abstinence. Our kids go to Google instead of the library for information, and we can’t change that.” “Instead, we should educate them on using social media and other online resources safely and efficiently. We should also make them aware of the possible dangers they may face online, as well as mental health repercussions of overuse.”
BAN NOT ALWAYS A BOON:-
Banning social media can add to its lure. “Today’s children live in a world of FOMO (Fear of missing out). If we ban social media, kids will get more curious and may go to any length to find loopholes.” Bans can only work up to a point. Other companies see it as an opportunity. When Tik Tok was banned, Instagram immediately came up with reels. The only way a ban can be successful if we have very stringent policies to enforce it, and also to monitor new content that comes up in its place.
Experts feel social media is multifaceted and complex, so our approach to restrict use can’t be so simplistic. Besides, keeping kids away from the phone will also deprive them of many important learning tools. There are risks, one can get hurt but there is also joy, connections and creativity, so we must support young people to stay safe while they enjoy the benefits.
SCHOOL PLAYS A BIG ROLE:-
Digital literacy should be part of the school curriculum and teachers should be trained to deliver talks on cyber safety just like they discuss safe-unsafe touch with kids. “Young children listen more to teachers than to parents. So, if teachers start talking to them about social media use, it will be of great help, adding that students should be taught ways to navigate the darker, uglier side of the web.”
Social media literacy would also help kids and teens understand how social media algorithms work, and how they dictate the feed. “I think every child who logs into YouTube should have to compulsory sit through a video that educates them about internet addiction and cybercrime.”
CONTROL BEGINS AT HOME:-
Parents who are struggling with the child’s smartphone or social media addiction should reflect on their own decision to hand over a mobile. Parents are to blame for replacing parenting with a mobile. They hand over their devices to their little ones instead of giving crayons or building blocks. Parents should lead by example if they want their kids to cut phone use. Experts say, it is also important for families to have conversations about privacy and boundaries on social media.
Kids often don’t feel comfortable sharing their concerns regarding issues they face online with parents. It’s only when the distress becomes significant that they bring it to their parent’s attention.
There should be a time limit for social media use for all age groups as “attention deficit has become a pandemic.” “Today’s youth don’t have the ability to hold a thought for more than 20 seconds, so how do we expect them to make decisions about which govt to vote or what kind of policy should be brought in? Can we afford to sacrifice deep thinking as a society.”
PRACTICE DIGITAL FASTING:-
When parents or the govt restrict the use of social media, they should provide alternatives to fill their kid’s free time as well as provide offline spaces to connect with peers. “We need to understand that today’s generation does not make calls to talk to friends. Social media takes care of their social needs too. So, if we restrict access, we should provide more playgrounds and spaces where they can meet with kids their age.”
A ban is an external reason to stop the use of a technology. With the realization to curtail use comes from within, it’s more effective. When kids know why they need to control, they come up with solutions to find a balance. Suggests that parents to introduce digital fasting or digital detox in their daily routine instead of a full-blown ban. This means parents and kids should observe 30 to 60 minutes of screen-free time at home once daily, and increase it to twice or thrice gradually. “They can use this time to read, play a game or just chit-chat with each other.”
“The joy one gets from offline activities will make everyone realize the benefits of being without technology. Then, they will consciously curb their use of technology.”
