AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
Published: 8/2/24
Most recently revised: 8/8/24
By Kellyn Kolber
Featured:
What Is the Right Age For a Child to Get Social Media? (Scroll for summary)
Phone Free Bonding Activities: Scenic Bike Trips
What Is the Right Age For a Child to Get Social Media?
Since the pandemic, kids have been downloading social media such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram earlier than ever before. As of 2024, 12 is the average age according to Omega Pediatrics, however, many users are as young as eight. But what is the right age for a child to get social media? This topic has been heavily debated, as parents often feel that their child is mature enough to handle it, or they simply worry about their child feeling left out. However, studies have shown that social media and even smartphone use at an early age is not just a matter of maturity or social inclusion. It's a serious risk to mental health, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, developmental struggles, a deterioration of social skills, and much more. That is why I am here to explain why waiting a few years might just protect your child’s quality of life.
Alarmingly, in 2022, the average screen time for tweens (ages 8-12) skyrocketed to five hours and thirty-three minutes. This translates to nearly 84 days spent online in just one year, with over 35% dedicated to social media. At an age when kids should be exploring their creativity and playing, they are devoting 23% of their time to screens. The situation is even more dire for teens (ages 13-18), with their average screen time reaching eight hours and thirty-nine minutes daily, resulting in 132 days spent online in a year. While these platforms can offer valuable global perspectives, entertainment, and communication, it's clear that they are not suitable for young children.
Social media can provide a sense of community for people with shared interests and experiences, which is why it has become so prevalent in society. As a result, the clinical director of psychological services at Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Sarah Jerstad, believes that 14 is the right age for youth to begin exploring these platforms. Jerstad recognizes that social media can be a place for acceptance, but she feels it is necessary to point out the developmental side of this issue. At the age of 14, teens' brains have developed enough to start the reasoning process. In other words, they can more easily recognize what has the potential to be dangerous online. Jerstad also shares that when children join social media before that age, they are more likely to disregard productive hobbies; if they grow up with that constant stimulation at their fingertips, it may become less exciting to do other activities such as sports, drawing, playing an instrument, and more.
Jonathan Haidt’s proposal, on the other hand, might sound harsh, but he has evidence of extreme decline in youth mental health to support it. Numerous studies have investigated the link between social media and mental health. One of which found that youth who spend three hours a day on social media double their risk of developing depression and anxiety. Haidt, a well-known social psychologist, has discovered similar and even more destructive consequences in his research. In interviews, he often makes the point that animals, including humans, are not meant to be entertained by screens, stating, “When kids move their social lives onto social media like that, it's not human. It doesn't help them develop. And right away, mental health collapses.” Ultimately, his proposal states that no child should have a smartphone before high school and that social media should not be downloaded until the age of 16. He believes this will allow youth to enjoy their childhood, thus ameliorating the mental health crisis.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when a child should start using social media. However, it is evident that the most suitable time is between the ages of 14-16. This allows teens to develop hobbies, a sense of identity, and reasoning skills so that they do not have to rely on social media. It's perfectly acceptable for a child to have a smartphone before this age, provided parents can protect their children and trust that they will stay off of social media. Flip phones, available on Amazon, are also a great way to maintain communication, supporting only two functions: texting and calling. In essence, parents play a crucial role in setting boundaries, having meaningful conversations, and carving out time for phone-free activities!
Summary of Article:
Although most social media platforms have a 13-year-old age requirement, many tweens break this rule, sometimes even at the age of eight. But even worse is that studies show that their screen times are climbing dangerously high. Research has speculated that this ridiculous screen time is contributing to increased mental health issues among youth, in spite of some of the positive aspects of social media, such as communication and sense of acceptance. To preserve mental health and allow for adequate brain development, experts say that 14 is the earliest appropriate age for youth to download social media. However, others have noted that it is best to wait until the age of 16, with the hopes of ensuring a fulfilling childhood. Ultimately, when the age does come to download social media, it is important for parents to set boundaries and carve out time for phone free activities!
References (linked)
Phone-Free Bonding: Scenic Bike Trips
Cycling is not only a great way to get off screens and have fun, but also a beneficial exercise. Regular cycling improves heart-health, flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility, and coordination, while preventing mental health issues and supporting a healthy weight. This is a great hobby for parents to encourage, and it undoubtedly outweighs scrolling on social media.
Where? Googling the most scenic bike routes in your area may be rewarding in aesthetic, but it is not entirely necessary. Think of the most beautiful neighborhoods in your area (it could even be your own!), and make that a quick outing. It might be more enjoyable for kids to look at pretty houses than scenic views. Either way, practically any safe bike route can make for an enjoyable outing.
See this website to find routes near you.
When? The time of day for a perfect bike ride can depend on your state, but in general, for a recreational bike ride, late-afternoon or early-evening is best for the summer. At this time, the heat has typically subsided enough to make your ride enjoyable. In the fall/spring, any time that fits into your schedule is normally great! Regardless, always be sure to be aware of the temperature and make responsible decisions regarding hydration.
References (linked)
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