US lawmakers: Do the right thing
An Opinion by Andrew Harris
Yesterday I sat in the car with my teen, listening to my preferred SIRIUS/XM Radio news broadcast. The big news in the world was from “down under” where all children 16 years and younger have been legally blocked from social media. No more TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram or X for the kids in Australia.
As I listened the glow of my teen’s smartphone and the sounds of viral videos filled the car. I felt the shame, a feeling like I had handed over a cigarette and lit it up for her as an after-school treat. She’d just gotten out of school, where NYS lawmakers have graciously and wisely banned smartphone use “bell to bell.” The addict had been deprived of the dope and was in a frenzy to get caught up on all the notifications, shares, and viral alerts.
Most parents can relate and also allow thier children to use this dope after an impossible fight. I don’t think any parent wants to allow a child to be addicted to this drug, but the alternative is just as bad. For those uninitiated let me give you some insight. Nine of ten children that are middle school age in my community have a smartphone. Sadly, many in elementary school also have a smartphone.
For parents like me, this journey begins with, “I’m not letting my child have one of those phones! I’m not letting my kid use social media! It only makes kids anxious, depressed, and robs them of a normal childhood!”
It doesn’t take long for reality to set in.
Dad all my friends have a Snapchat and I’m being left out of everything.
Dad, no I can’t just use email or text! I can’t play games, share videos, or join group calls with all my friends.
Dad, my whole team has TikTok and I get picked on because I’m the only one who can’t use it.
I’m not that old, I recall what it feels like to be ‘left out’ or not included in group activities. That feeling of “what am I missing?” is very real for a teenager and certainly leads to anxiety. If a child is always left out or is the only child who can’t participate it certainly leads to depression.
So yes, social media and technology does lead to anxiety and depression. But so does being excluded from social interaction and being connected to friends.
Australia apparently figured out a common sense solution and just this week instituted a social media ban on all children under 16. I’m sure the teens are furious, looking for ways around the new law, and having to suddenly change how they communicate with friends. But they are doing it together, a shared disappointment that impacts all Australian kids and families.
The Aussies have realized that parents face an impossible situation and that the vast majority of parents aren’t willing to constantly monitor and argue and execute tough love in the face of pleas to be included in modern culture. Just like we’ve stopped gas stations from selling cigarettes to kids, they’ve stopped social media companies from selling dopamine to kids.
The conversation has changed “down under:”
Dad all my friends have a Snapchat and I’m being left out of everything.
-Well you aren’t alone sweety, none of your friends are allowed to use Snapchat and for good reason.
Dad, no I can’t just use email or text! I can’t play games, share videos, or join group calls with all my friends.
-Honey, none of your friends can use social media to play games, share videos, or post endless selfies. But you can still have group calls, email, and text !!
Dad, my whole team has TikTok and I get picked on because I’m the only one who can’t use it.
-Wait, none of your team is allowed to use TikTok so you won’t be picked on and also, you won’t have your every move recorded by the Communists in China to be used against you as an adult anymore!! Win-Win!
For those “don’t tread on me” folks: Our nation cut tobacco use by youth dramatically, underage alcohol use has collapsed in this century, and in most states kids can’t drive a car until they are 16. The United States has instituted all sorts of laws to protect minors from adult living and for the most part with great success.
And speaking of protecting!! Social media is a playground for child predators. Almost every arrest of the deviants who sexualize and prey on children has a social media component. We as a society are inviting child abuse and exploitation with our blind love for social media.
Of course the tech companies behind the addictive algorithms are trying to keep kids scrolling, tapping, and posting. They’ve created a trillion dollar business on the backs of children using deceptive marketing and digital drugging. They have one goal – to collect data and use that data to sell more products, both digital and retail, enriching shareholders and foreign nations.
Australia: I’m jealous of your wisdom and bravery. Your families have been relieved of a massive internal conflict and a no-win decision. Your teenagers will adapt quickly and will be forced to gather on front porches, at local parks, and engage in school activities in order to socialize and stay connected. That kid without a Facebook account won’t be left out of the loop or bullied for it. Parents won’t be put in the absurd position that American parents find themselves in daily. Kids will revert back to meet ups, mischief in the neighborhood, and making memories in real time, not on a social media timeline.
America: Follow the example set by Australia and do it soon. We’ve allowed an entire generation of youth to be robbed of the childhood that most of us enjoyed. Let’s hit the brakes, slow our kids lives back down, and refuse to put profit over prosperity.
Andrew Harris is a parent of three kids who has first hand experience with how social media impacts young children and family dynamics. He’s hoping that his elected leaders will govern as protectors and not continue to enable the predators of young minds. You can reach him anytime, WellsvilleSun@yahoo.com
