While there should be “debate” in Canada about a social media ban for children, Prime Minister Mark Carney says he has not made up his own mind on the issue yet.
I’d really recommend the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It addresses the exact thing that this policy is trying to tackle.
In short, regarding many of the comments already here, the current (but unenforced) internet ‘age of consent’ is 13, essentially the exact age where girls and boys are most vulnerable to developing addictive habits and where (in-person) social connection is most needed.
The “just parent your kids” argument falls flat, because kids will find a way around even the most savvy of digital parental controls.
The “f off govment” argument really doesn’t help either. Should we eliminate minimum age requirements for the purchase of other addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol and marijuana? Of course not. Kids addicted to social media exhibit the same symptoms as those addicted to other things, and the health effects can be even more detrimental. Why should it be regulated any differently?
My biggest concern is how they’re going to implement age verification, because there are many privacy-invasive wrong ways, but a few privacy respecting right ways as well.
Yeah, I know everyone is concerned about the government overreach and for good reason but it’s not an “empty” issue. Hell, I think social media has done a number on me as well. I’m afraid of what it would do to me if I was younger to be honest.
I’d really recommend the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It addresses the exact thing that this policy is trying to tackle.
In short, regarding many of the comments already here, the current (but unenforced) internet ‘age of consent’ is 13, essentially the exact age where girls and boys are most vulnerable to developing addictive habits and where (in-person) social connection is most needed.
The “just parent your kids” argument falls flat, because kids will find a way around even the most savvy of digital parental controls.
The “f off govment” argument really doesn’t help either. Should we eliminate minimum age requirements for the purchase of other addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol and marijuana? Of course not. Kids addicted to social media exhibit the same symptoms as those addicted to other things, and the health effects can be even more detrimental. Why should it be regulated any differently?
My biggest concern is how they’re going to implement age verification, because there are many privacy-invasive wrong ways, but a few privacy respecting right ways as well.
Great recommendation! Added to my reading list!
Yeah, I know everyone is concerned about the government overreach and for good reason but it’s not an “empty” issue. Hell, I think social media has done a number on me as well. I’m afraid of what it would do to me if I was younger to be honest.