The Growing Debate Over Protecting Children from the Harmful Effects of Social Media
The pervasive influence of social media on young people has sparked a heated debate, particularly in the wake of tragic events linking online activity to mental health struggles and even loss of life. The recent plea from Esther Ghey, mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, for stricter regulations on smartphones for children under 16 has amplified concerns about the potential dangers of unrestricted access to social media platforms. Ghey’s call for "children’s phones" devoid of social media apps resonates with other bereaved parents who believe platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook played a role in their children’s suffering. This burgeoning movement seeking stricter controls on big tech echoes similar discussions in the United States, where lawmakers are grappling with the same challenges.
The debate intensified following a US Senate hearing where Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, faced intense scrutiny over his company’s alleged role in facilitating child sexual exploitation and drug use. While Zuckerberg expressed remorse, some US lawmakers are taking more concrete steps, with Florida considering legislation to ban social media use for those under 16 entirely. In the UK, the government is currently implementing the Online Safety Act, designed to protect children online, but some, like Tory MP Miriam Cates, argue for more drastic measures, mirroring Florida’s proposed ban. Cates contends that parents are ill-equipped to combat the influence of tech giants like Meta, TikTok, and Apple, and therefore, stricter government intervention is necessary.
This push for change is fueled by a growing body of research highlighting the negative impacts of excessive social media use on young people’s mental health. The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, issued a warning about the link between excessive social media use and increased risks of depression and anxiety in adolescents. Studies have shown that teenagers spending over three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience poor mental health outcomes. Further research has even correlated the introduction of Facebook on college campuses with a rise in mental health issues, particularly depression.
While the evidence of potential harm is mounting, outright bans on social media for under-16s face significant practical and ethical challenges. Many experts believe a complete ban is neither feasible nor desirable. The focus, instead, should be on making these platforms safer by design. Rani Govender of the NSPCC emphasizes the need for tech companies to take responsibility for online safety and enforce age limits more effectively, a key component of the UK’s Online Safety Act. The media regulator Ofcom is developing codes of conduct that will delineate the responsibilities of tech companies in protecting young users.
Beyond content moderation, another crucial aspect of the debate revolves around the addictive design of social media platforms. Campaigner Lady Beeban Kidron argues that the addictive nature of these platforms is a deliberate business choice and that companies should be held accountable for "fixing" their "faulty product." This necessitates examining the algorithms that drive engagement and, in some cases, expose vulnerable young people to harmful content, including misogynistic material, as recent research on TikTok suggests. While TikTok denies these claims, the study underscores concerns about how algorithms can exploit vulnerabilities and amplify problematic content.
Finding the right balance between protecting children and allowing them to navigate the digital world is a complex challenge. While restricting access might seem appealing, it could have unintended consequences. Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation cautions that isolating children from online experiences could delay their development of crucial digital literacy skills, potentially increasing risks when they eventually engage with the online world. The focus, therefore, should be on equipping young people with the tools to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
Ultimately, addressing the challenges of social media requires a collaborative approach involving parents, schools, tech companies, and policymakers. Deana Puccio, who runs workshops in schools on navigating online issues, emphasizes the importance of a multi-pronged strategy. Schools play a vital role by implementing policies like smartphone bans, but parental involvement and societal awareness are equally crucial. Addressing the mental health challenges associated with social media requires a collective effort to create a safer and more supportive online environment for young people. The debate is not about eliminating technology, but rather about harnessing it responsibly and mitigating its potential harms.
