Parents Beware
Children are far more aware of what social media is from a very young age.
From an excellent report on www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Executive summary
Most social media platforms have a minimum age limit of 13, but research shows a growing number of children aged under 13 are using social media, with 3 in 4 children aged 10 – 12 having their own accounts.
While much is known about how teenagers use social media, this research provides the missing piece to the story, exploring the social media lives of children before they reach the teenage years. In October and November 2017, we conducted 8 focus groups with 32 children aged 8 – 12 to understand the impact of social media on the wellbeing of this age group. The findings of this research are summarised below.
How I use social media
My social media:
A cross all ages, the most popular social media were Snapchat, Instagram, Musically and WhatsApp. Younger children had less routine around when they accessed social media, while older children started to get into the habit of using all their social media apps multiple times a day, and for some, it had come to dominate t heir day.
Social media makes me feel happy
Children knew how to cheer themselves up or calm themselves down using social media, from getting funny Snapchats from a friend to watching slime videos on Instagram. It allowed children to be creative and play games, two things that appealed to children from a very young age.
How I stay safe online:
Parents and schools had successfully ingrained messages in children about online safety from known risks such as predators and strangers. Yet children were less aware of how to protect themselves from other online situations that could affect their mood and emotions.
My friends and family
‘Following’ my family:
Younger children were particularly influenced by their family’s views and usage of social media, and parents may be unaware of how their use of social media affects their child .
Going on my mum’s phone
P rents sometimes gave children contradictory safety messages when they let children use their social media accounts, and unknowingly exposed them to unsuitable content .
Sharenting
Many children felt uncomfortable and bothered by their parents posting pictures of them on social media, yet felt they could do little to stop it .
My sister showed me Snapstreaks
Children learned how to do new things on social media from their older siblings, but were also put off by things that their siblings had experienced. In some cases, children worried about their siblings’ behaviour online, such as excessive use and ignoring safety messages .
My online friends:
Social media was important for maintaining relationships, but this got trickier to manage at secondary school, where friendships could break down online .
Keeping in touch
Children used social media as a tool to maintain friendships, and they recognised the value of face – to – face int eractions for more serious conversations, like discussing worries and resolving arguments .
Falling out online
Younger children were more likely to see mean comments from strangers on apps like Roblox, whereas older children, who were communicating with a greater number of people on group chats, faced issues and confusion around the blurring of ‘jokes’ that were posted publicly .
For the full download go to: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Childrens-Commissioner-for-England-Life-in-Likes-3.pdf
