When can children have social media? This is the consideration for the parents

Now, who doesn't have social media? Almost all ages must have at least one social media account so they are not out of date. This social media "fever" did not escape the children. On the one hand, social media really helps us to get the latest information and interact with the world. However, on the other hand, many parents are worried that their children will swallow up all the hoax news circulating in cyberspace, or even misuse their social media accounts for the wrong things. So actually, can children have social media? If so, what age should it be allowed to start?

When can children start having social media?

Until now, there is no definite age benchmark for when children can access or have their own social media accounts. However, there are some things that you can consider when your little one wants to start getting involved in the complexity of social networking.

1. Is the child ready or not?

Before giving access to create their own account, first pay attention to whether your little one is really ready and can be responsible. Ironically, most parents do not pay attention to the readiness of their little one before entering cyberspace. In fact, a survey conducted stated that many children under the age of 13 already have at least one social media account.

Most of the very young children do not have a mature mindset. They only know that having a social media account will make him look cool, and what he writes will be seen by many people. They do not fully understand that every human behavior must have its own consequences, including in cyberspace.

For example, suppose a child sends derogatory comments to a celebrity. They are not yet fully aware that what they are doing is cyberbullying, which can harm others and themselves. Or worst-case scenario, he uploads inappropriate personal photos at the encouragement of his online friends, or because he imitates his idol who poses like that.

It is indeed difficult to generalize or set a minimum age benchmark for children to have social media. It could be that your child is over 13 years old, but he has not been given the responsibility to use social media. You are the one who best understands your child's character, so allowing your child to become a netizen is a decision that is up to you.

2. Every social media has an age limit for its users

Also pay attention to the types of social media your little one will use. The reason is, each social media must have its own policy in determining the age of its users. On average, social media requires users to be at least 18 years old in order to create an account. For social media such as Facebook and Twitter, someone is allowed to open an account when they are at least 13 years old.

But of course you still have to keep an eye on your child while using their social media. In fact, you should accompany him when opening an account. It would be even better if you first browse and use the social media account, to see if it is really suitable for your little one.

3. Create strict rules

Social media is not as bad as most parents think, really! There are various benefits that your child can get when he becomes an active netizen in cyberspace (as long as he is responsible). For example, social media platforms such as Instagram and Youtube can help hone children's creativity by looking at ideas from existing content, or simply interacting with people out there who have the same preferences.

However, if its use is not paid attention, it will certainly cause more bad effects. Therefore, parents must make strict rules when children use social media, for example, such as:

Use private settings

Create a safe social media account for your little one by setting privacy on his account. Usually, on some social media there are special settings that make social media accounts automatically not display adult or violent content.

If necessary, create a schedule of use rules

Sometimes children like to forget the time when they enter their social network. This can interfere with study time and sleep time. In fact, excessive use of social media has been linked to the development of depression, insomnia and antisocial behavior. Therefore, you must strictly implement the schedule of its use. Limit it to 1.5 to two hours a day for children free to use social media. This safe duration limit has been approved by many experts.

Know all your friends and what they are doing online

By following his social media accounts, it will be easier for you to monitor your little one's activities when he uses social media. Tell him also that he should avoid making friends with strangers, preferably only accepting friendships from friends, family, and relatives he knows.