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Muhammad Hassan Awan

English
Assignment 1
24 February 2024

Social Media and the Age Debate

Introduction:

Social media has become an integral part of modern society, shaping how we

communicate, consume information, and interact with the world around us. One of the

most contentious issues surrounding social media is the appropriate age at which

children and young adults should be allowed to use these platforms. This essay argues

that the minimum age for social media usage should be 13, as stipulated by the

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), due to the developmental, privacy,

and safety concerns associated with younger users.

Developmental Concerns:

One of the primary reasons for setting a minimum age for social media usage is based

on developmental considerations. Adolescence is a crucial period of growth and identity

formation, during which young people are particularly vulnerable to the influences of

social media. Excessive use of social media at a young age can have negative impacts

on mental health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of

inadequacy (Twenge, 2017).

Privacy and Safety Concerns:

Another key issue is the protection of children's privacy and safety online. Social media

platforms often collect vast amounts of personal data, which can be used for targeted

advertising or shared with third parties. Younger users may not fully understand the
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implications of sharing personal information online, making them more susceptible to

privacy breaches and online predators (Livingstone & Görzig, 2014).

Counterclaim:

Some may argue that setting a minimum age for social media usage is unnecessary

and limits children's access to valuable educational and social opportunities. However, it

is essential to balance these benefits with the potential risks and ensure that children's

online experiences are safe and age-appropriate.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the debate over the appropriate age for social media usage is complex,

involving considerations of child development, privacy, and safety. While social media

can offer valuable educational and social opportunities, it is crucial to prioritize the

well-being and safety of young users. Setting a minimum age of 13 for social media

usage aligns with existing regulations and helps to mitigate some of the potential risks

associated with early exposure to these platforms.

References:

Livingstone, S., & Görzig, A. (2014). When adolescents receive sexual messages on

the internet: Explaining experiences of risk and harm. Computers in Human Behavior,

33, 8-15.

Twenge, J. M. (2017). IGen: Why today's super-connected kids are growing up less

rebellious, more tolerant, less happy--and completely unprepared for adulthood--and

what that means for the rest of us. Simon and Schuster.