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The Australian government announced on Thursday that the age limit for children to start using social media is 16. According to a report by the Associated Press, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed to the harmful effects of social media on children. “I have talked to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Like me, they are also concerned about the safety of our children online.
Also read: Australia to enact law to ban social media for children under 16
Social media is both a boon and a curse for children. After COVID-19, most of the study-related material has gone online, increasing children’s exposure to the digital sphere. However, if not controlled, social media can become a dark place for children, exposing them to disturbing things.
Harmful effects of social media on children
In an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, had talked about the harmful effects of social media on children’s health – “Children who spend too much time on screens. and use social media without any hassle.” Deregulation can lead to mental health problems. These children view violent or disturbing content which can adversely affect their mental health. This can be a matter of concern as children may become stressed, anxious, depressed, violent, depressed and may also feel lonely. Additionally, some girls will also have poor self-esteem, body image issues, and may suffer from eating disorders when they try to look like or imitate a certain celebrity.
Also read: Tips for parents to monitor children’s online activities, get rid of social media addiction in teenagers
The Australian government said social media platforms can be penalized for violating age limits, but children and parents are exempt. “The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate that they are taking appropriate steps to prevent access. The onus will not be on parents or young people,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Excessive use of social media can be harmful to the overall health of the child. “It can also lead to disrupted sleep or inadequate or disturbed sleep. When children are glued to social media sites all the time, they become less active, which can lead to many health problems, Dr Shreya Dubey – Consultant – Neonatology and Pediatrics, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, told HT Lifestyle in an earlier interview. Told.
Also read: How can parents and schools help teens navigate social media safely? Insights and strategies from experts
Tips for Parents to Control Social Media Use in Children
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, senior psychiatrist and founder of Manasthali, had shared some tips in an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle.
Keep tablets and laptops in the common area: A child’s social media exposure should be controlled and ignored by his parents. It’s easy for them to do this when tablets and laptops are kept in common areas.
Keep an eye on online accounts: Monitoring their online activity and paying attention to cyberbullying tendencies can protect the child. Although this may upset them initially, it can save them from distress and anxiety.
show genuine interest: Instead of being strict, parents can start taking genuine interest in the child’s lifestyle and online activities to understand them better.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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