Wahoo…what an interesting debate. Just as the supporting speakers argued that the use of social media affects the mental health of children. This statement comes with the understanding that children begin to develop their cognitive and reasoning abilities during the stages of 2 to 7 and 8 to 13 years old. As a result, they are not mentally developed to make decisions or take responsibility for themselves. They learn from everything they watch or hear. Exposing them to social media (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Thread, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and many more) at this age can only do one thing…” add more to their problems in terms of picking behaviors that are unethical and/or not morally aligned “. As a mom, I have a three-year-old son who likes watching YouTube videos on Natsya.
Photo obtained from Google
However, I realize that he has the yearning to always have the TV remote to himself whenever he comes back from daycare and he cries profusely if he does not have the remote. Moreso, nobody dares change the TV if he is watching his program. This is what social media is causing: anxiety, not sleeping early, and mimicking everything he watches on YouTube. So yes, social media is ruining childhood and there is need for parents and all educational stakeholders to have policies and strategies in place to combat the effect of social media on children.
Photo obtained from Google Iluustration
Hi Ayodele,
I can’t agree more with you about social media running our children. Not only do they learn and mimic the same behaviours that they see from their “social media idols,” but even worse, they become obsessed with them. And when the parents see how dangerous that behaviour is and try to change it, that’s when the real trouble starts, as it becomes like a mission impossible.
Thank you for sharing this insightful post, Ayodele! Your personal experiences as a parent highlight the significant impact of social media on children’s behavior and mental health. The examples you provided, such as increased anxiety and mimicking behaviors from YouTube, illustrate the need for careful monitoring and strategic policies. Your perspective as both an educator and a parent adds depth to this discussion. Keep sharing your valuable insights and experiences!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Unfortunately, most adults assume that kids make good choices. We introduce them to the socials, and the kids take it to the next level. Toddlers are now being introduced to social media…do you have an age you’d suggest for social media access?
I totally agree with your conclusion that social media ruins children and parents and other stakeholders need to monitor its use. It’s time to realise this and act on it. Your explanation about development of cognitive skills makes sense and is important to think about.