The Internet or social media is a wonderful place that people need to experience, but the time or age of exposure really matters as it has the capability to either ruin the child or make the child. The social media is a free space people express themselves without restrictions though some guidelines are set to regulate unnecessary comments, videos and pictures from public views. A lot of mechanism can be used to bypass those guidelines without facing the required punishment.
Just as there are people with evil thoughts and intentions going on in their head, the also put it out unapologetically for people to see. So imagine allowing your 10 year old child to see or read stuffs not ment for people below 18 years? Because of this, early exposure of children to social media has become a subject of major concern to parents, teachers and everyone hoping to have children.
While the importance of technology and social media can be undeniable, it presents certain risks for early child exposure which includes;
Risks of Early Child Exposure to Social Media
Cyber Bullying
Because social media comprises of people from unhealthy homes, rascals and uncultured people the likelihood of children running into harassment, insults, humiliation or exclusion is high. Early exposure especially when a child does not know how to overcome these situations may lead to the child have low self esteem, lack of confidence or depression.
Although there's is no fixed or stipulated age for children to be exposed to social media, but making sure as a parent that they have reached a certain maturity so as not to be affected by the problems that come with social media is your duty.
Addiction
Another disturbing challenge that comes with early exposure is addictions which includes watching illicit contents, not being able to regulate time spent online which will definitely affect their sleep patterns, physical activities and overall well-being. Addictions from social media is the most common kind of issue encountered by social media users both young and old. And the likelihood of it occurring increases with early exposure for children.
Reduces Physical Interaction
We talked about the importance of physical interactions among people which can not be replaced by social media. So excessive time spent of social media hinders the needed interpersonal skills need for life which is developed during physical interactions. Child need real real life interactions to develop empathy, communication and conflict resolution skills for future uses.
Privacy Concerns
Children exposed to social media at early stage often have issues with differentiating private information to share online which may eventually lead to blackmailing and impersonation. This is because children may not comprehend the importance of Privacy. The popular saying that "social media remembers" means that it is saved and maybe used against you in case you reveal informations not ment for the public.
Depression
Constant exposure to fake lives and abnormal standards by people may negatively impact their perception of themselves. Also it leads to the feeling of low self esteem, inadequacy among children. The pressure from social media to conform societal standards often lead to anxiety and depression.
Benefits of Early Child Exposure to Social Media
While Concerns about its negative impacts on children continues to be a crucial topic, let's look at the beautiful benefits that children can enjoy with early exposure to the Internet and social media;
Digital Literacy
Children have be know to be fast learners, so exposing them to social media at early stage greatly contribute to the development of digital literacy. They learn to navigate online platforms knowing where to source out useful information necessary for academic growth.
Cultural Awareness
Social media helps in exposing children to diverse cultures and perspectives around the world which in turn will improve understanding and tolerance.
Communication Skills
Social media platforms provide children with instruments to communicate with family and friends in written formats which helps to improve their writing, spelling and understanding abilities.
Creativity and Expression
Some social media platforms like Instagram, tiktok, YouTube etc provides children with space to express themselves through videos, pictures and other forms. This helps them not only to express themselves but increases Creativity in them.
Learning and Educational Resources
Platforms like YouTube, udemy doubles as Learning platforms. Early exposure of children to platforms like this makes it easier to access educational contents, tutorials and materials which can supplement their formal education and as well teach them new skills.
Parental Involvement
This is specifically for parents who work 9-5 and do not get the opportunity to teach their children at home or guide them through their homework, it is known as online parenting. Social media can serve as avenue to attend to this duty as it can allow you see, speak and teach them from your place of work.
Carrier Development and Experience
In today's digital age, so many carriers and jobs are online which becomes necessary for people to learn how to navigate their way through social media in order to take up such works. Early exposure of children to social media helps them learn how to manage their online presence and forge a through some of the carriers available online.
Conclusion
While early exposure of children to social media can be helpful, it is important to understand that potential life time harm can be caused by that. So it is the duty of the parents to monitor and regulate the age bracket before exposure in order to ripe only the benefits associated with early children exposure to social media.