Can setting a minimum age for social media use truly prepare our children for the digital world? This CNA podcast explores the challenges and complexities of protecting children from the potential harms of excessive social media use.
Australia passed a law last year banning children under 16 from accessing social media, a move seen as challenging to implement. Singapore is also considering ways to protect children from the harms of excessive use on social media platforms. But how realistic is this? \Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Nikki Yeo, a Gen Z and CNA TODAY journalist, and Alvin Seng, an addictions counsellor at WE CARE. \ Nikki Yeo shares her perspective as a Gen Z individual who grew up with social media.
She highlights the constant exposure to random content and the lack of control over what users see. She questions whether individuals have the motivation or desire to manage their social media consumption and disconnect when needed. She observes how families interact online, noting that they are often talking to each other but through digital platforms. \Yeo acknowledges the challenges of raising children in a world where social media is ubiquitous. She shares her personal experience, stating that she was not exposed to social media or phones at a very young age and believes this allowed her to develop other hobbies and interests. However, she also recognizes the value of social media for connecting with peers during adolescence. \Alvin Seng, an addictions counsellor, provides insights into the potential addictive nature of social media. He discusses the curated nature of social media feeds, which can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and lead to excessive use. He emphasizes the importance of media literacy and the need to educate children about the potential risks and benefits of social media
Society SOCIAL MEDIA CHILDREN TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION MEDIA LITERACY
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