Social media CEOs faced intense questioning from Senate lawmakers in a recent hearing, addressing concerns about the dangers their platforms pose to children. The bipartisan hearing explored issues such as sexual predators, content promoting suicide and eating disorders, bullying, and addictive features. While there is a rare show of agreement among Republican and Democratic senators, it remains uncertain whether this unity will lead to the passage of legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act or other proposed measures designed to safeguard children from online harms.
In the interim, as legislative processes take time, parents and teens are left wondering what steps they can take to ensure online safety. Here are some tips for staying safe, fostering communication, and setting limits on social media for both kids and their parents.
Navigating the Age Question: While there is a technical rule, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, prohibiting kids under 13 from using platforms that advertise to them without parental consent, its effectiveness has limitations. Social media companies generally enforce age restrictions, but kids often sign up without proper age verification. In the evolving landscape of online risks, waiting until a certain age for children to use social media has been a longstanding recommendation. Initiatives like the “Wait Until 8th” pledge encourage parents to delay giving smartphones to their kids until the 8th grade or around age 13 or 14. However, neither social media companies nor the government have taken concrete steps to raise the age limit.
The Challenge of Age Verification: Proposed laws, such as blanket bans for those under 13 on social media, face challenges in age verification. Verifying a user’s age during app sign-up is complex, and popular apps were originally designed for adults. There’s a call for developers to create apps with kids in mind, incorporating age verification mechanisms. Banning kids from social media entirely is a personal choice, and while it may prevent exposure to online risks, it could also lead to isolation from activities and discussions with friends.
Effective Communication: Starting early conversations about social media is crucial. Parents are advised to review their own social media feeds with their children before they are allowed online. Discussing potential situations, such as requests for photos, and exploring how to handle emotional reactions to content can prepare children for online interactions. For older kids, parents are encouraged to approach discussions with curiosity about their interests and experiences on social media.
Educational Initiatives: Educating kids about the workings of social media platforms can empower them. Watching documentaries like “The Social Dilemma” or reading about how platforms make money can provide insights into algorithms, dark patterns, and engagement strategies. Pulling back the curtains on social media tools and tactics can make kids feel informed and give them a sense of control.
Setting Limits: Setting limits on phone use, especially overnight, can be effective. Many parents find success in taking their kids’ phones overnight to prevent excessive scrolling. Parents are encouraged to explain their own phone use to their children, ensuring transparency about the reasons for using the device. Mutual understanding and respect for each other’s screen time can foster healthier relationships with technology.
Parental Controls: Social media platforms catering to children have introduced parental controls, allowing parents to set time limits, monitor followers, and track usage. While these features are optional and require consent from both parents and kids, they can be valuable for families where parents are actively involved in their child’s online activities.
In conclusion, while awaiting legislative action, parents and teens can take proactive steps to ensure online safety. Open communication, education, and setting limits on social media use are essential components of creating a healthy online environment for children and teenagers.