Social media ban for children: the longer we leave it, the more we will regret it
Parents of those children in particular who have come to harm owing to the impact that social media has had on them will be understandably concerned as it appears the alacrity with which policy makers were moving to protect children from the side-effects of social media has waned.
So many parents of young people will recognise the stress and anxiety that comes with merely trying to fit in; to conform to stereotypes, images and trends at a pace that would have been unthinkable prior to the age of the smartphone.
And, of course, it worse than mere peer pressure for many young people. From sexually-motivated extortion to intimidation, threats and bullying that in the first instance does irreparable damage to children’s self-esteem and so often lead to physical violence and assaults.
There is little question that the algorithmic nature of the platforms is geared towards hooking impressionable young minds in, leading to compulsive and even addictive behaviours. Clearly, the likes of Australia, Greece, France and others have already seen enough to compel the implementation of protective measures and restrictions, doing more than this country is doing to keep their young people safe.
The longer policy makers in this country leave children to wander the unregulated online streets, the longer we are letting them down in a space where they clearly need our support.
In time, almost certainly, we will look back with more than a little regret that it took so long to understand and remedy the situation – more dither and delay will only serve to exacerbate that regret.