Social media is ruining childhood. Or is it?

Social media is ruining childhood. Or is it?

This debate topic was one that I was most excited for! The issue of social media impact on children is extremely relevant right now; between having a classroom of young, impressionable eight year olds who already seem (alarmingly) aware of the world of social media, as well as preparing to start my own family, social media use is constantly on my mind. When should kids begin using it? Which social media programs are appropriate? How do I regulate their use and monitor their consumption? How will social media impact their self-esteem, their interests, their values, and their developing brain overall? Questions swirl around in my mind and I feel forever torn between safe, guided, responsible social media use (easier said than done, I imagine) and just banning social media from kiddos altogether.

I voted YES! to social media is ruining childhood but the lively debate, expertly led by Mike, Kaela, Carol and Nofisat had me second guessing this opinion. First off, kudos to this group for being the first debate – from their fantastic pro and con opening statements, to professional counter arguments and thought-provoking closing statements, I left the debate more in the middle of the spectrum between ‘for vs. against’ social media use for kids. Here are some of my thoughts!

Social media is robbing children of their childhood? I’m afraid it might be. Thoughts on the AGREE side:

Kaela and Mike’s opening statement video aligned with my initial thoughts on social media’s impact on childhood. I wholeheartedly agreed with everything they presented: from the severe impacts social media has on mental health and on brain development, to the issues of constant cyber bullying and desire for outside approval, social media is indeed negatively impacting all users, especially young ones. Their call to ‘protect childhood’ resonated with me as I think of the highlights from my own childhood (without social media) and fear today’s children are missing out on the real world – face to face interactions, time outdoors, hands on play and time for self realization to name a few experiences. The following two slides really stood out:

Some showstopping ideas and quotes from the agree side that really resonated with me were:

• Social media as a “psychological trap”
• It’ “hooks attention” and “exploits insecurity” in kids
• Social media’s ability to “distort reality” 
• “Kids are being liked instead of being known” (oof, this one hit me)
• Social media “gives kids a voice  – but at what cost” & the idea of young people performing for outside approval
• Connection through social media is an insufficient substitute for the real thing
• Social media’s ability to amplify bullying and give power to it nonstop; kids can’t escape it as they are always accessible
• The struggle of setting social media boundaries – adults struggle with this so how can we expect kids to set healthy boundaries for themselves 

I found the Dr. Becky Kennedy content helpful in understanding both the harmful way social media impacts children and in proactive measures adults can take to help with this, such as clear boundary setting, healthy conversations, open door policy, and proper timing. I also appreciated that she concluded by acknowledging positives surrounding social media use as well: 

”Keep in mind, technology is ultimately a tool to use, not a monster to avoid. But just like any tool, it’s most beneficial when you know how to use it properly. Digital communities can offer healthy opportunities for kids to feel seen while learning more about themselves and the world.”  – Dr. Becky Kennedy 

She also acknowledges the power of connection social media provides:

“’That’s incredible that we can use technology to feel less alone, to have a sense of belonging, to hear stories that make us feel OK,’ says Dr. Kennedy. ‘Our kids are living in a world where that’s possible.'”

I appreciate that Dr. Kennedy’s resources are well balanced with caution towards social media use, with tips for parents (could apply to educators as well) and with optimistic views acknowledging social media’s positive sides too. Her outlooks mirror my own views on social media for children.

Additionally, Kaela and Mike provided hard evidence regarding mental health struggles, as well as a specific study on depression, in regards to social media use in kids. Reading the findings on an overwhelming correlation between social media and mental health issues is concerning and I struggle to move past these facts to accept a more optimistic view of social media for kids. If something is causing higher levels of depression and anxiety, how can we support that?

Social media isn’t the big bad wolf…can childhood adapt to the world of social media? Thoughts on the DISAGREE side:

Carol and Nofisat successfully had me questioning my anti-social media (for kids at least) thoughts. They presented a convincing case through their opening statement and follow up points that challenged my own (very strong) opinions on this topic. I appreciated their opposite outlook on social media in childhood. They talk about kids adapting to this new world of tech engagement (kids are extremely adaptable afterall, right?) and convincingly argue that we idealize our own childhoods even though the very idea of ‘childhood’ is always changing. I especially appreciated this point – my grandparent’s childhood looked very different from my parent’s childhood, from my childhood and now the current generation’s experience – and maybe this is ok and, well, the normal progression in an evolving world. This point was a stand out to me…I think nostalgia can be blinding and is often used as an easy excuse to not accept, adapt or even try new things, especially related to technology advancement.

A few fantastic points from Carol and Nofisat’s argument that forced me to question everything in regards to social media use:

• Asking ourselves: “are we just scared?”
• Social media platforms can be a safe place for oppressed, racialized, marginalized kids (this point was very powerful)
• Social media’s importance during COVID in reconnection 
• Social media as a platform to share stories and ideas 
• Adults can monitor this: timers, blockages, etc are easily used to help kids with these programs
• We have a responsibility to educate kids on social media use now to avoid larger problems later in life

Carol and Nofisat provided some thought provoking resources promoting social media. Reading about social media benefits such as digital literacy, connectedness, exploring interests and creativity, I found my pessimistic views beginning to dissolve (a little). I also enjoyed the article The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness? and found conflicting perspectives, arguing a lack of data to affiliate mental illness with social media use interesting. Although I could not get past the focus on teenagers. Social media use for teenagers (Dr. Kennedy recommends not before age 16) feels vastly different from younger children engaging with these platforms. I think I can agree that social media is NOT ruining childhood, for older children anyway, when introduced and monitored responsibly.

Concluding thoughts on a ‘Facebook postable’ debate topic and an ‘Instagram highlight reel’ worthy debate!

To conclude, I remain with my initial stance that yes, social media is ruining childhood. Despite the potential positives associated with social media use like feeling more connected, developing digital literacy and safe online presence, and providing outlets for marginalized youth, I still find social media problematic as a whole. As an adult that struggles with social media use and to create healthy boundaries with these addicting platforms for myself, I just can’t imagine how this is possible for children who are more impressionable. The parental controls available and increased safety features make me hopeful that, one day, my children can engage in safe, monitored social media use, although I do see value in waiting to introduce social media use at an older age. While I am not opposed to children using tech, I believe social media is its own beast that can wait until teenage years to avoid lasting impacts on a child’s development.

Thanks for reading! 🙂

• Teagan