The Boon and Bane of Social Media: A Growing Concern for Children and Teens

• 14 Nov 2024

The Boon and Bane of Social Media: A Growing Concern for Children and Teens

 

Sapna Trivedi, a Class 12 student, acknowledges the addictive nature of social media, particularly Instagram, which she admits to spending at least three hours a day on despite being aware of its drawbacks. "I waste my time using it," she confesses, pointing to how easy it is to get hooked on the platform's endless stream of photos and short videos. Her experience reflects a wider concern that has gained renewed attention, especially following the Australian government's proposal to ban social media for children under the age of 16 through what it calls "world-leading legislation."

 

While the issue of social media’s impact on children and teens has sparked ongoing debates, this legislation has reignited discussions about its pros and cons. In India, many parents are in favour of imposing such a ban, while others, including content creators, argue that educating and counseling children is a better solution.

 

The Impact on Mental Health and Time Management

 

Trivedi, 17, speaks candidly about how social media use can create significant distractions, leading teens to waste valuable time online, which, she says, also affects their mental health. Parents and educators are increasingly concerned that platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) are not just addictive, but are also shaping children's behavior in harmful ways. These concerns include poor decision-making, distorted self-perception, and an inability to manage time effectively.

 

Hema Natarajan, a teacher and mother of two 16-year-old girls, observes that social media has led to a worrying shift in how children think and interact. "They've stopped thinking for themselves. Instead, they follow the opinions of others," she says, noting a decline in critical thinking and an erosion of personal communication. "Their language has become atrocious, and they've stopped engaging with the people around them."

 

Lakshmi Satish, another teacher and mother of two teenage daughters, agrees, arguing that social media, even for emotionally mature children, can still have a negative effect on their self-worth. "Their sense of identity has become tied to superficial metrics like how many likes or comments they get on a post, or whether they’ve gained or lost followers. These preoccupations undermine their true sense of self," she says. Satish is also concerned about the rise of cyberbullying on these platforms, which she believes contributes to diminished self-esteem and emotional distress. "If a child isn't active on social media by Class 6, they're often seen as 'uncool' due to media perceptions, further alienating them."

 

The Pressure of Social Media Competition

 

Abhinav Sharma, a dentist based in Australia and father to an 11-year-old girl, points out that social media fosters unhealthy competition among children. "Instead of competing in sports or academics, children now measure their success by the number of likes, comments, and followers they have. This can have a detrimental effect on their social and mental development," he says.

 

Sharma also highlights the materialistic pressures fueled by influencers and content creators, who often promote products and lifestyles that children feel compelled to emulate. "When children are constantly exposed to influencers glorifying certain products or lifestyles, it becomes harder for them to resist the urge to buy into those trends," he explains. This material competition not only skews their perception of self-worth but also contributes to financial strain as children aspire to match the lifestyle standards they see online.

 

Striking a Balance: Education and Counselling Over Bans?

 

As the debate continues, it’s clear that both sides of the argument have valid points. While some advocate for outright bans on social media for younger users, others argue that the focus should be on sensitizing children to the risks and teaching them how to use these platforms responsibly. Educators, psychologists, and parents alike believe that with the right guidance, children can navigate social media without succumbing to its more harmful effects.

 

In the meantime, as social media platforms continue to shape the lives of young people, it’s crucial for both parents and children to be aware of its potential to both enrich and disrupt their daily lives. Finding a balance between digital engagement and real-world connection remains an ongoing challenge in an increasingly connected world.