Australia’s legislated social media bans for those under sixteen is to be applauded, though it has been problematic for some, particularly in the reality of execution.
Children don’t need access to social media to develop technology addiction and anti-social behaviours. It starts when they’re handed an adult’s device.
With emerging research about the risk of early onset ‘digital dementia’ to the developing brain, effort to reduce access to any screen time is critical for a positive future for our youth.
We’ve all seen young children and babies handed a smart phone or device so their adults can enjoy a restaurant outing in peace.
While the child is mesmerised by the digital babysitter, the adults are often silently scrolling too, ignoring each other and modelling a new social convention that appears to be widely accepted.
Opportunities to socialise with guidance, in a range of contexts, makes a much greater contribution to a young person’s future than a 30-minute block of peace or a catch up with those who aren’t even in the room.
We don’t need legislation to make a difference. Let’s just prioritise talking with each other again.
Stop handing over the phone.
If you’re caught by this bad habit, resist the urge and give the gift of learning to socialise and connect right now, in a way that will support cognitive development for our future young adults! All of our futures will benefit greatly.
