Social Media Barred for Minors Under 13 by Scientific Advisors
National Academy of Sciences Urges Strict Social Media Guidelines for Children
The National Academy of Sciences has called for stricter social media guidelines for children, recommending that social media use should ideally begin at age 13 or older. This stance aligns with existing standards and protections aimed at safeguarding youth mental health.
The academy's recommendations, presented in a recent paper, aim to make existing protective measures in Germany, the EU, and beyond more effective and targeted. The paper defines social media to include platforms like Facebook or Instagram, as well as messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram.
For children aged 13 to 17, the academy suggests age-appropriate restrictions, such as preventing live streaming, push notifications, and infinite scrolling for those under 16. Additionally, the academy recommends a strict ban on social media use for children under 13 due to its unsuitability for them.
The Leopoldina, a German science institution based in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, echoes these sentiments. In a paper presented on Wednesday, the Leopoldina calls for better provisions for parental guidance in the usage of social media and consistent enforcement of age restrictions. The Leopoldina, which was founded in 1652 and was designated the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008, has around 1,700 members from over 30 countries, representing expertise from nearly all research areas.
Preventively, children, young people, and their parents should be informed about the benefits, risks, and protective measures related to social media, the papers suggest. This education is crucial in guiding families and youth in healthy digital use starting in childhood and adolescence, supported by evidence-based strategies and education, as emphasized by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.
The growing legislative focus on limiting younger users' exposure to harmful content is evident in the California Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act (SB 976), which enforces limits on under-18s, restricting addictive feeds and notifications without parental consent.
The use of social media can significantly impair the mental health, well-being, and development opportunities of children and young people, according to the researchers. The Leopoldina's paper underscores the need for better protection of children and young people on social media, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their development and mental health. The academy's recommendations, in line with those of the National Academy of Sciences, aim to create a safer and healthier digital environment for the next generation.
- The National Academy of Sciences' recommendations for stricter social media guidelines emphasize the need to safeguard children's mental health and well-being, a concern also shared by the Leopoldina in their recent paper.
- Furthermore, policy-and-legislation in California, such as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, reflects a growing focus on limiting the exposure of younger users to harmful content on these platforms.
- In light of these concerns, it is essential to implement general-news and evidence-based strategies for educating children, young people, and their parents about the benefits, risks, and protective measures related to social media use, as emphasized by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
