This is incredibly unsurprising to me and I feel very strongly that, while tech companies should be held accountable for their parts in how all of these things work, it is a parent’s job to protect their children. Children under the age of 17 should not be allowed to use any social media whatsoever (and 17 is setting the bar low). You can’t see an R-rated movie until you’re 17 - So, why should you be subjected to R-rated content on your phone or computer before then?
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Oh, do I have a true story for you. I used to live in Florida. The whole time there, mine was the “safe place.” Kids of all ages, and I truly mean all ages from 5 to 16, would just show up, get snacks, swim, or even just sit on the couch and watch TV or on their phone.
Well, one day, I was cooking, and there were three girls, ages 9-11, along with my daughter, swimming in the pool. The next day, I got this notification that my Instagram account was suspended. The only thing I used to post on Instgram were faith based stuff.
Then I thought about it. My daughter had my phone the day before. I went through the photos and found some very inappropriate pictures of these little girls who apparently posted on Instagram. Needless to say, parents were notified, and NO ONE got my phone again.
That’s not even the worst part. During one of my conversations with a parent, I found out that his daughter is banned from having a phone until she is 18 because he caught her sharing nudes. She was 12. So yes, I do understand.
Do I blame the tech companies? Partially, but I also blame the parents, me included, for giving them access.
Peter
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Why limit that to social media? Realistically it should be the internet period that’s for the 18+ only crowd. Schools, Libraries and Parents can print off, or download for off-line use, anything needed information wise. That and/or an Alexa/Siri could be placed in the family room for everyones use.
This might even help improve television content if it opens markets for more educational programming.
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Yes you are right not what kids should be seeing and everyone does not want to see all of that anyways.