I saw this article, which made me think about it…
Kids under 16 to be banned from social media after Senate passes world-first laws
Seeing what kind of brainrot kids are watching, makes me think it’s a good idea. I wouldn’t say all content is bad, but most kids will get hooked on trash content that is intentionally designed to grab their attention.
What would be an effective way to enforce a restriction with the fewest possible side effects? And who should be the one enforcing that restriction in your opinion?
IMO, even if it’s “banned”/“prohibited” or whatever, kids will do whatever they have to do to enable them to do what they want to do. If they want to use social media, then they’ll lie, cheat or otherwise manipulate the system into getting access.
With all that being said, maybe regulate social media for kids so that adults don’t have enough access to prey on them. Beyond that, as long as they’re not posting gore, or nudes or something equally inappropriate, let them do what they want.
Patents would be so familiar with this conundrum. Eventually you need to let your kids learn their own lessons and do as they wish. Your choice is whether you want to support your kid in what they want to do, or if you’re going to try to impose rules on them, which has a nontrivial chance of alienating them, and they tell you nothing about their decisions, and won’t come to you for help or guidance when things get rough.
As a son who was repeatedly alienated and is now estranged, I lived on the other side of such a situation. My story is my own, and I won’t assume anyone else’s situation.
If you’re facing this decision as a parent, please be understanding and accepting of what your child decides, then stand by in case things go sideways. If your child in that scenario, I’m so very sorry for what’s happening, and how these things inevitably end. Take care of yourself.