Do we need more innocence? Experts and parents worry that using smartphones is damaging young people's mental health. Some think it is time to stop letting children spend so much time online.
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UK plans under 16s social media ban
Do we need more innocence? Experts and parents worry that using smartphones is damaging young people's mental health. Some think it is time to stop letting children spend so much time online.
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In the UK, politicians are set to discuss a possible new lawA rule that everyone must follow. . If it passes, it will raise the age at which social media companies can allow users to sign up. Today it is 13. But soon it could be 16.
Politicians are worried. So are experts, teachers and parents. Many think that social mediaSocial media is defined by websites, apps and social games that connect people to each other through the sharing of pictures, thoughts, ideas, articles, and other content. and smartphone use is damaging children's mental healthThe part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings.. Last month, a study by scientists found a link between time spent on social media and mental health issues such as anxietyA feeling of unease or worry. It can be mild or very severe..
Supporters of the possible new law think childhood is a time that should be spent far from the worries and the evils of the world.
In 1794 the English writer William BlakePoet and printmaker associated with the Romantic Age (late 1700s and early 1800s). The Romantics were often doubtful of the value of science - they thought it gave reason too much credit. even wrote a set of poems based on this idea. He criticised those who sent small children off to sweep chimneys or work in dangerous factories. Instead they should be given time to play, explore and learn the difference between good and bad. In other words, they should be innocent.
If children are innocent, some say, then they will be happy and healthy - and one day, they might be able to build a better future for all people.
Others say there is no point in trying to protect innocence for too long. It is very unlikely that children will avoid smartphones forever. Banning children from social media may simply mean that when they do get access later in life, they are unprepared.
Teaching children how to use social media safely is a much better answer, they say.
Do we need more innocence?
Yes! We are lucky to live in a world in which most children today can learn instead of work. And yet we give them free access to something more and more people think is harmful: social media. We must do more to protect them.
No! The day will come when young people must face the dangers of the world. It is better that they already have some understanding of it before that day arrives.
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Keywords
Law - A rule that everyone must follow.
Social media - Social media is defined by websites, apps and social games that connect people to each other through the sharing of pictures, thoughts, ideas, articles, and other content.
Mental health - The part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings.
Anxiety - A feeling of unease or worry. It can be mild or very severe.
William Blake - Poet and printmaker associated with the Romantic Age (late 1700s and early 1800s). The Romantics were often doubtful of the value of science - they thought it gave reason too much credit.
UK plans under 16s social media ban
Switch off: Australia’s parliament will vote in two weeks on stopping anyone under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The ban is expected to become law and will take effect a year later. Glossary
Law - A rule that everyone must follow.
Social media - Social media is defined by websites, apps and social games that connect people to each other through the sharing of pictures, thoughts, ideas, articles, and other content.
Mental health - The part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings.
Anxiety - A feeling of unease or worry. It can be mild or very severe.
William Blake - Poet and printmaker associated with the Romantic Age (late 1700s and early 1800s). The Romantics were often doubtful of the value of science - they thought it gave reason too much credit.