Vulnerable or bold: how social media changes a child
Social media has long since become a part of adolescents’ daily routine: communication, self-expression, recognition, and sometimes, competition. But are children under the age of 16 psychologically prepared for that environment? Does the uncontrollable flow of information make them stronger or more vulnerable?
We discussed these issues with Narine Abrahamyan, a psychologist at the Mardikyan Child Protection Center.
— Does social media make children bolder or more vulnerable?
— Certainly, the child’s individuality plays a role here. Specifically, at what age and for what purpose they started using social media. However, we can still say that children are becoming more vulnerable because the massive flow of information negatively affects them. Especially when talking about adolescents, social media becomes a battlefield for them, where they unconsciously begin to compete with individuals leading different lives. At this stage, there is also a serious issue with the formation of values; if previously the family or friends were the source of value formation, now social networks are becoming one as well.
— In other words, is banning access to social networks for those under 16 psychologically justified?
— I think so, yes. I don’t know how effective it will be to monitor the implementation of such a ban, because technically, I cannot imagine how it should be done. In many families, parents also impose restrictions, and we see positive progress. Children do not always want to be involved or receive information. The greatest problem with using social networks is that it is often difficult to control the information an adolescent receives.
— And at what age is a child actually ready for the social media environment?
— It is very difficult to say, but I would approximately mention 14-16 years old. It seems to me that the age is more conditioned by the purposes for which the child enters social media, and how well they manage to avoid falsehoods and content inappropriate for their age. A number of changes are also currently observed among adolescents, and we cannot compare today’s 12-year-old children with 12-year-olds from 10 years ago.
— To ban or to teach how to use social media correctly: which is more effective?
— In every sense, teaching correct usage is the best option. It’s just that the parent’s abilities in this regard are also important, because children are very resourceful and pass on ways to bypass those restrictions to one another. Besides, it is also important for the parent to be close to the child; the child must realize that their family supports and listens to them.
— What mistake do parents most often make in digital upbringing?
— A child may not be able to detach from social media, but their real life should be so full and meaningful that they do not become too immersed in social networks. A child should have both physical and mental activity. But at the same time, one should not forget about free time. Nowadays, many parents overburden children with extracurricular activities and other things, but a child should also learn how to be “bored” correctly—by listening to songs, walking, and simply engaging in their favorite activity.
