Curb children’s social media usage

IN Malaysia, it is common to see parents relying on smartphones to pacify toddlers, particularly during meal times at restaurants. As researchers in the field and mothers of toddlers, we are writing this letter out of concern for our young children and future young generations’ lack of cognitive maturity to discern harmful situations, making them susceptible to physical harm or legal consequences.

American child psychologist Dr Kate Eshleman has noted that young minds can easily internalise content beyond their comprehension, potentially leading to misconceptions and emotional distress.

For instance, content that overemphasises ideal lifestyles can influence young children to believe that life is a breeze. When faced with real life challenges, children could then fall into emotional turmoil and experience depression or anxiety attacks.

Yet, curbing social media usage isn’t a simple task. Studies have shown that many toddlers already show signs of high dependency on social media, highlighting the urgent need for parental intervention.

Moreover, the proliferation of dangerous viral trends poses tangible risks to children, as these trends can encourage hazardous behaviours that young children might imitate without understanding their potential consequences.

The repercussions of excessive media exposure extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Obesity, vision problems, depression, anxiety and social isolation are on the rise among children, reflecting the many aspects and impact of digital overindulgence that should be addressed with the current younger generation.

From an educator’s perspective, we encourage stringent parental controls and supervision, particularly for children under the age of 13. Proactive measures to monitor and regulate children’s media consumption both at home and in educational settings are vital in cultivating self-control and reducing social media consumption among young children.

In navigating the digital landscape, parents play a pivotal role in instilling safe Internet practices and fostering healthy media habits.

Supervision, communication and parental involvement are indispensable tools in safeguarding children from the potential pitfalls of social media.

Parents can take several steps to ensure that children are protected and practice healthy media consumption habits:

> Set clear boundaries to establish and enforce rules about screen time and media usage, and be consistent so that children will adhere to and understand the boundaries.

> Model healthy behaviour and engage in healthy media habits. Children model and imitate their parents. Parents should limit their own screen time and prioritise face-to-face communication over use of devices during family time.

> Educate children about digital literacy and the potential dangers of the Internet and social media. Train children in critical thinking skills so that they can navigate online content safely.

> Encourage alternative activities that do not involve screen time. Spending time with children at the park, reading and engaging in creative projects such as baking or painting will promote healthy lifestyles and reduce digital dependency.

Ultimately, the onus is on adults to guide and protect the younger generation in their digital interactions.

By prioritising open dialogue, setting boundaries and maintaining vigilance, parents can mitigate the risks associated with media exposure and nurture their children’s social and emotional well-being in the digital era.

DR NICOLE FU CHEW XIANG & DR SERENA LEOW

School of Arts

Sunway University