Nevertheless, some positive developments are visible. Parents feel less pressure to allow social media and view its use as less self-evident for young children. In addition, fewer children report feeling that they are missing out without social media. According to Rebecca Wald of the Netherlands Youth Institute (NJi), this could lead to a change in the social norm in the long term, comparable to the effects of higher age limits for alcohol and tobacco.
At the same time, Wald warns against a false sense of security. Parents seem to have less insight into their children's online behavior, especially in the case of girls and children aged 10 to 12. When parents assume that their children no longer use social media, important conversations about online experiences may not take place. Moreover, a ban may make children less likely to talk about what they experience online, because they know that their behavior is not allowed.
According to Wald, an age limit is therefore only effective as part of a broader approach. In addition to enforcement, changes to the design of social media platforms are necessary. Research from Italy shows that children who start using social media at a younger age face a greater risk of poorer school performance. It is therefore important to postpone use for as long as possible and to guide children step by step in the online world. Open communication between parents, professionals, and children remains essential in this regard.
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