Social media ban, your thoughts

[newforest]

I do think it's a good idea, I never actually felt that a smart phone was aimed at children.

I think people are getting confused with what social media actually is and what it isn't. They are not saying they are banning children from using the internet.
They can still use that. They are referring to sites such as Facebook, You Tube (though there has always been a children's version) and sites I don't use / haven't heard of that are predominantly used by children.

How they will check accounts is interesting because currently my TV asks me if I am over 16, you simply say yes, no other checks!
They are talking about photo ID and this is already an option. It's called a citizen card to prove you are 16. I guess for jobs, college, bank accounts. I don't get the comments of this is the back door to digital ID, we already HAVE to prove things, these people will already have photo ID to do anything in the world these days.

 

[Jessey]

I’m so busy at the moment I’ve heard nothing about it, it’s also not relevant to me personally. I don’t see an issue with raising the age for social media, or making it more enforceable, I don’t know anyone that lets their kid on SM anyway, but am aware lots do.

 

[newforest]

Facebook has always been 13 but that's been easy to get around.
I find it shocking that song kids can doesn't right hours a day on social media. Surely they are school for most of the day!

 

[Trewsers]

I've heard about this but I don't know the details. I can see the enforcing it might be tricky unless facebook, insta etc rely on facial recognition. Kids are clever and its easy to get around security checks I am sure!
I don't have kids but I have mixed feelings on this. The internet is a great tool for everyone at some point whenever you need something or need to know / learn. I use it a lot.
But I have no idea how it affects kids? I know there's been some bad reports about kids being influenced in a bad way because of other kids and so-called influencers. Hmm. @newforest I think most kids tune into their iphones whenever they get chance, hence being on it so many hours in between school lessons etc.
So they would still be allowed to use email etc? And who knows - maybe forums will rig up again - I know they are not as popular as they were because of social media. That's the quicker option I think for kids. They can just go on insta and get a quick fix or twitter (x) etc. Whereas a forum requires a bit more effort.

 

[GaryB]

I saw a 14 year old claiming it was unfair and she only used it moderately. Her idea of moderate was 6.5 hours per day!

 

[newforest]

They will still be allowed to use the internet. It is only social media that they want to implement the ban.

 

[newforest]

I saw a 14 year old claiming it was unfair and she only used it moderately. Her idea of moderate was 6.5 hours per day!

And that's partly a parenting issue surely.
I also think if you are on your phone for those hours, how many hours are the adults on.
It won't surprise me to see advice for adults at some stage because it's addictive and fit the most part, the internet is unavoidable.
Companies have gone paperless and charge you to receive a bill, so I have had to download the app. Else it was an extra £36 on top.

Smart phones wont be taken away from children as they have their bus ticket on the thing these days.

Growing up I was allowed on the computer footy one hour a day to play games. Them it got switched off and I was expected to "go and play"