Social media for children under 13? Why it's not a good idea 👀

These risks demonstrate why the National Academy of Sciences is so concerned and is calling for urgent action. 🛡️

Age-appropriate restrictions for young people

For the 13- to 17-year-old age group, the experts propose specific, age-appropriate restrictions to minimize risks while leveraging the positive aspects of the digital world. The proposed measures include:

– **Blocking live streams and endless scrolling for children under 16**: This is intended to prevent younger users from spending too much time on the platform and becoming overwhelmed by potentially harmful content. – **Push notification management**: Reduce distractions and promote healthy app usage.

– **Restrictions on privacy settings**: Protect personal data and promote safe online interactions.

These measures aim to create a safe and controlled environment for young people where they can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without being exposed to its negative effects. 📱✨

Role of parents

Parents play a crucial role in **monitoring and guiding** their children's social media use. Especially for children ages 13 to 15, it is recommended that they only use the internet under **parental supervision**. Here are some important aspects:

– **Education and awareness**: Parents should educate their children about the risks and safe practices of using social media. – **Device sharing**: Sharing devices and social media can help parents better understand what their children are doing online.

– **Setting screen times**: Limiting the time children spend online to ensure their use remains balanced.

It is also proposed that smartphone bans be introduced in schools up to grade 10. This measure could help children focus more on their academics and spend less time on social media. 📵📚

Mental health and social media

Social media use can have significant effects on children's mental health. Researchers have identified several negative effects, including:

– **Increased risk of depression and anxiety**: The constant pressure to be perfect and comparing yourself to others can lead to serious mental health problems. – **Difficulties with self-regulation**: Children often have difficulty controlling their social media use, which can lead to excessive use and the associated negative consequences.

– **Impaired sleep quality**: Nighttime social media use can disrupt children's sleep and affect their overall health.

To address these challenges, experts suggest that **doctor's offices** should play an important role in educating families about the risks and ways to protect themselves. The goal is to help children learn how to use apps safely and responsibly without falling into a virtual trap. 🛌💤

Initiative of the National Academy of Sciences

The **National Academy of Sciences**, based in Halle, is the driving force behind this important initiative. 🌍 The academy, which comprises over **1,700 experts from 30 countries** and was founded in 1652, has intensively addressed the challenges of the modern digital world. Its many years of experience and scientific expertise make it a leading authority in the discussion about social media and children.

Its core objectives include:

– **Promoting safe online environments**: Developing policies and measures to protect children and young people. – **Scientific research and advice**: Providing sound information and recommendations for action for parents, schools and legislators.

– **International cooperation**: Working with other countries and organizations to develop global standards and solutions.

This comprehensive initiative demonstrates how seriously the Academy takes the issue and how it is working to find sustainable solutions. 🌐🧠

Measures and solutions

To address the challenges related to the use of social media by children and young people, various **measures and solutions** have been proposed:

– **Educational programs in schools**: Integrating media literacy into the curriculum to educate students early on about the risks and safe use of social media. – **Parenting programs and workshops**: Training for parents to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively support their children. – **Technological solutions**: Development of apps and tools that enable safer use of social media, such as time limits and content filters.

– **Regulatory measures**: Introduce legal regulations that restrict the use of social media by children under 13 and hold companies accountable for making their platforms child-friendly.

These measures are intended to help create a safe and healthy digital environment for the youngest users while promoting the positive aspects of social media. 🛠️🔒

Future of social media use among young people

The discussion about young people's use of social media is far from over. With the rapid development of technology and constantly changing platforms, the challenges will also grow. Some future developments could include:

– **Enhanced Data Protection Policies**: Stricter data protection laws specifically designed to meet the needs and protection of children and young people. – **Innovative educational concepts**: New approaches to education that focus on media literacy and digital health.

– **Collaborative approaches**: Collaboration between governments, educational institutions, parents, and businesses to develop holistic solutions.

It's crucial that we continue to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure that young people's use of social media remains safe and beneficial.

Conclusion

The use of social media by children under 13 is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires serious attention. The National Academy of Sciences has issued important warnings and suggested concrete measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our youngest users. From age-appropriate restrictions to the role of parents to mental health, there are numerous aspects to consider.

So what can we do? A good first step is to **talk to younger people about the risks** and **find solutions together**. Support from educational institutions and parenting programs is also essential. Whether these measures will change the world remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The discussion about teenage social media users will definitely continue. 🤔🌟

What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 💬