We find ourselves at an important crossroads regarding youth digital safety. Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash
As parents and grandparents, we’ve watched our children and grandchildren grow up in the digital age, often marvelling at their tech-savvy abilities. However, a growing body of research suggests that the very platforms designed to connect young people may be inadvertently exposing them to harmful content and influencing their behaviour in concerning ways.
A Wake-Up Call from France
The conversation about youth and social media safety has intensified following a tragic incident in France, where a 14-year-old’s attack at a school in Nogent prompted President Emmanuel Macron to propose significant changes. In response, Macron announced his intention to push for European Union regulation banning social media for children under 15, stating his commitment to work with European partners within the coming months.
This incident has sparked important conversations about how social media platforms may be influencing young minds, particularly regarding the type of content that algorithms promote to keep users engaged.
Understanding How Algorithms Work
Research helps us understand the mechanics behind social media’s influence on young people. Studies indicate that 40-50% of younger individuals encounter hate speech online occasionally, with algorithms designed to maximize engagement sometimes leading users toward more extreme content through what experts call “rabbit holes.”
What’s particularly concerning for parents is that youth who interact with friends online are more likely to encounter problematic content, meaning platforms may be inadvertently exposing children to harmful material through their natural desire to connect with peers. These algorithms prioritize engagement over safety, sometimes serving more controversial content simply because it generates more interaction.
Learning from Global Approaches
Australia has taken a significant step forward in addressing these concerns, passing legislation in November 2024 that bans social media for children under 16. The ban, supported by 77% of the Australian population, will take effect within a year, with tech companies facing substantial fines for non-compliance. Parliamentary discussions included testimony from parents whose children experienced mental health challenges related to social media use, highlighting the real-world impact on families.
The Need for Balanced Solutions
We find ourselves at an important crossroads regarding youth digital safety. While social media offers valuable opportunities for connection and learning, the evidence suggests we need better safeguards to protect young people from potentially harmful content and addictive design features.
The solution likely requires both thoughtful legislation and improved digital education. We need more effective age verification systems, rather than the simple age declaration methods currently in use. Digital literacy programs in schools could help teach children to recognize and critically evaluate online content. Perhaps most importantly, parents and grandparents need better resources and tools to guide young people safely through the digital landscape.
Moving Forward Together
While tech companies have made some efforts at self-regulation, many experts believe more comprehensive action is needed. The incident in France, Australia’s legislative approach, and Spain’s multifaceted strategy all point to a growing recognition that we need better protection for young digital users.
The question facing families and policymakers isn’t whether social media has value – it clearly does for education, creativity, and social connection. Rather, we need to ensure that young people can enjoy these benefits while being protected from potential harms.
Macron’s call for EU-wide action and Australia’s protective legislation suggest that governments are beginning to take youth digital safety more seriously. However, the most effective solutions will likely combine smart regulation with strong digital education and informed parental guidance.
As parents and grandparents, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to help shape how the next generation navigates the digital world. By staying informed about these issues and advocating for better protections, we can help ensure that technology serves our children’s best interests rather than exploiting their natural curiosity and desire for connection.
