Recently, during a discussion with a friend, she revealed that her 10-year-old son has an Instagram account. Typically, we align on parenting choices, so I was taken aback. When I inquired further, she mentioned that she has set rules and privacy settings to keep him safe online. She emphasized that they have discussed appropriate content and internet safety, expressing her trust in his judgment.
However, I firmly believe that children under 13 should not be on social media. There, I said it.
The days of landline phones providing privacy are long gone, and kids now spend much of their time glued to screens rather than engaging with the world around them. As a parent of both a tween and a teen, I understand the temptation to let them join social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. I’ve had numerous discussions with my kids about online risks, proper texting etiquette, and making wise choices, especially with platforms like YouTube. Thankfully, I can trust my kids to behave responsibly online if I ever decide to let them join the social media realm.
Yet, I’ve encountered many parents who argue that I’m being too restrictive. They believe that with parental supervision, social media can serve as a valuable learning tool to help children navigate their online presence. “Just follow him on Facebook!” they urge, or “I always have her follow my account so she knows I’m monitoring her activity.” They remind me that my kids might be missing out on social interactions and suggest I relax my stance.
I respectfully disagree.
Even with the ability to secure my children’s accounts and limit their online visibility, I still don’t want them exposed to my adult content. For instance, I don’t want my 10-year-old witnessing inappropriate posts or memes that circulate among adults. The bottom line is that she is simply too young for Facebook, and since I can’t fully control what she might encounter on platforms like Instagram, I will continue to decline any friend requests from her peers.
As an adult, I enjoy sharing humorous and sometimes risqué content online. I vent about parenting and post candid photos on social media without worrying about how they might affect children. I shouldn’t have to modify my behavior just to accommodate someone else’s child.
Can we agree that I don’t need to be involved in the social media lives of your children? I realize I may come across as overly strict, and my friends might roll their eyes at my views, but I refuse to censor my online expression just to maintain the illusion of innocence for someone else’s child. I often share posts that reflect my adult life, including social outings and personal anecdotes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
I have friends with whom I can be authentic on social media, connecting over the challenges of parenting. I’ve built a platform based on sharing my experiences, and I’ve had to remind friends about the nature of my posts when their children follow me. If they choose not to remove their kids from my accounts, I do not hesitate to restrict access.
I simply don’t need to engage with school-aged children any more than I already do at home. Although I may not get privacy in the bathroom, I do have a space to express my frustrations online, free from the watchful eyes of children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while social media can be a tool for connection, it should not be a space where children interact with adult content. Parents must prioritize their children’s safety and well-being by setting appropriate boundaries. For further insights on parenting and related topics, you might find this blog post useful. Additionally, resources like WHO’s pregnancy page can provide valuable information on this subject.