The appropriate age to start using social media

         Social media has become an integral part of modern society, and it is essential to recognize the impact that it can have on young people. As such, there has been an ongoing debate about the appropriate age for children and young adults to begin using social media. In my opinion, I believe that the appropriate age for young people to start using social media should be 13 years old.

        There are several reasons for my opinion, and the first is that many social media platforms have already set this age limit. For example, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. These age limits have been put in place for a reason, and it is crucial that we abide by them to protect young people from harmful content and interactions.

       The second reason is that they are likely to have developed some digital literacy skills by this age. Children who have grown up in a digital age have more experience with technology and the internet than previous generations. By the age of 13, many children have developed some level of digital literacy skills and understand the basics of privacy, security, and online etiquette.

      However, it is also important to recognize that social media can have negative effects on young people, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and addiction, in fact, according to a research report by Forbes magazine “52 percent of parents said the hadn’t talked to their children about the consequences of social media”. Therefore, it is crucial that parents and educators take an active role in educating children about how to use social media responsibly. Parents should monitor their children's social media use and ensure that they understand how to protect their privacy, report cyberbullying, and avoid engaging with strangers online.

      In conclusion, the appropriate age for young people to start using social media should be 13 years old. This age limit has been put in place by many social media platforms for a reason, and it aligns with the development of digital literacy skills in children. However, it is crucial that parents and educators take an active role in educating young people about how to use social media responsibly and safely. By doing so, we can ensure that social media remains a positive and empowering tool for young people to connect and communicate with others.

Works cited 

Suciu, Peter. “What is the right age to let kids use social media?” Forbes magazine, 2 March 2023 https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2022/03/03/what-is-the-right-age-to-let-kids-use-social-media/. Accessed 2 March 2023.