Why Youth Need Better Digital Protection

As parents and grandmothers, we have seen our children and grandchildren develop in the digital era, and marveled at their tech-savvy skills. Research suggests that even platforms meant to connect and empower young people can inadvertently expose these individuals to harmful content, which may influence their behavior in unsettling ways.

France is sending a wake-up call

A tragic incident in France has heightened the discussion about youth and social-media safety. In that case, a 14-year old boy’s attack on a French school in Nogent Emmanuel Macron was prompted to make significant changes. Macron’s response was to announce his intention to push European Union regulations banning social media use by children under 15 years old. He stated his commitment in working with European Partners within the next few months.

This incident has ignited important discussions about the influence social media platforms have on young minds. Specifically, it’s about what type of content algorithms are promoting to keep users interested.

Understanding how algorithms work

We can better understand social media’s impact on young people through research. According to studies, 40-50% younger people are exposed to hate speech online at least once a week. This is due to algorithms that aim to increase engagement. These algorithms can lead users into rabbit holes of more extreme material.

Parents should be concerned that children who are socializing with their friends online may encounter more problematic material. This means platforms could unintentionally expose kids to harmful content through the desire to interact with others. These algorithms put engagement before safety, and will sometimes serve up more controversial material just to get more interaction.

Learning from Global Approaches

Australia has made a major step in addressing this concern by passing legislation in November 2020 that prohibits the use of social media by children under 16 years old. The ban will be implemented within one year. Tech companies that do not comply with the law could face substantial fines. Parents whose children had experienced mental health issues related to social media usage testified in the Parliamentary discussion, highlighting how real-world impacts on families.

Need for Balanced Solutions

Digital safety for youth is at a critical crossroads. Social media can be a valuable tool for learning and connecting, but the data suggests that we need to take better measures to protect our children from harmful content.

It is likely that the solution will require both thoughtful legislation as well as improved digital education. Instead of the current age declaration method, we need to use more efficient age verification systems. Digital literacy programs could be implemented in schools to teach children how to evaluate and recognize online content. Parents and grandparents must have better tools and resources to help guide their children safely in the digital world.

Moving Together

Although tech companies are making some attempts at self-regulation many experts think that a more comprehensive approach is needed. The France incident, Australia’s legislative approach and Spain’s multifaceted plan all indicate that we are increasingly aware of the need to protect young digital users.

The question facing families and policymakers isn’t whether social media has value – it clearly does for education, creativity, and social connection. We need to make sure that youth can benefit from these benefits, while also being protected against potential harms.

Macron’s request for EU-wide actions and Australia’s protective legislative measures suggest that governments are starting to take the safety of digital youth more seriously. Smart regulation combined with digital education and parental guidance will likely be the most effective combination.

As parents and grandparent, we have the chance and responsibility to influence how the next generations navigate the digital age. We can ensure that our children are protected by staying informed and advocating better protections.