No social media for children under 16: theAustralia is ready to introduce an unprecedented law in the world, which is causing discussion. According to the Australian government, these platforms are causing too many problems for children, exposing them to phenomena such as cyberbullying and decreased self-esteem. Several social networks, such as Instagram and Tiktok, have age limits, but – as we know – it is quite easy to circumvent the rules.
For this reason, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that an agreement will be presented in the next few days “world leading” standard to effectively protect minors. The proposal should become law by the end of the year: the objective is not only to just raise the minimum age for using them, but also to improve the verification mechanisms, with solutions such as biometrics.
Australia isn’t the only country looking to implement social media restrictions. In Floridafor example, starting next year children under 14 will be banned from accessing these online platforms and even in other states, such as France, introducing such measures has been discussed for some time.
The risks associated with the use of social media for adolescents
According to several studies, the reckless use of social media during adolescence can negatively affect self-perception, fueling phenomena such as cyberbullying and social comparison, in which children constantly feel in competition with others to obtain visibility and approval. The risks linked to the early and intensive use of social media among minors are numerous and complex, involving psychological, social and safety aspects.
Negative impact on mental health
The use of social media has been associated with increased levels of anxiety (in some cases even depression) and problems self-esteem in the younger ones. Constant comparison with idealized and often unrealistic images can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction in a period already characterized by psychological vulnerability.
Cyberbullying and online harassment
Social platforms often become a tool for spreading episodes of cyberbullyingas several news cases remind us. Victims suffer repeated attacks, offensive comments and harsh messages that can have devastating effects on psychological well-being, in some cases leading to serious consequences such as social isolation and post-traumatic disorders.
Dependence and poor concentration
Social media algorithms are designed to keep users as active and engaged as possible, encouraging prolonged use and, in some cases, outright addiction. This trend can reduce young people’s ability to concentrate and pay attention, compromising school performance and the quality of sleep, with consequences for physical and mental health.
Risks related to privacy and security
Another aspect that should not be underestimated is represented by the risks associated with sharing personal information and photos and videos, which can be hacked or used by pedophiles or other malicious people, who use online platforms to approach vulnerable teenagers.
Difficulty socializing in reality
Excessive use of social media can reduce the time and quality of in-person social interactions. Today, many teenagers find it difficult to communicate face to face, as they become accustomed to expressing themselves mainly via social media. This can lead to a lack of social skills in real life, generating difficulties in interpersonal relationships and in the working world in the future.
