The federal government has announced its commitment to implementing a national plan to prohibit children from accessing social media platforms. While specific details are still limited, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recognizes that no government can completely shield children from all online threats, but efforts must be made to ensure their safety.
However, banning children from social media will not solve the issue of online harm faced by young people. It will merely temporarily pause the problem. Even when children reach the age where they can use social media, they will still encounter similar challenges.
The most effective approach to assisting young people in navigating social media safely is by enhancing their social media literacy.
What does social media literacy entail?
Social media literacy involves comprehending and critically analyzing the content encountered on social media platforms and understanding why it is present.
It is crucial to recognize that the images and videos displayed on social media feeds are not random. Algorithms utilize personal data to gain insights into individual interests and preferences, resulting in tailored content for each user.
This is why everyone’s social media feeds differ.
Although the inner workings of these algorithms remain undisclosed by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, certain researchers are working towards greater transparency.
Currently, digital media literacy is lacking worldwide, even among younger generations who were born into the internet era and are frequent social media users.
I have personally witnessed this knowledge gap. Recently, I delivered a lecture on social media to approximately 300 university students in Australia. Most of them were unaware of the algorithms that determine their social media content.
Empowering young people
The deficiency in social media literacy reflects a broader lack of education in this field.
The limited social media literacy education currently provided tends to be negative and defensive. When conversing with young people, they express that adults often focus on what they should not do, such as spending excessive time on social media or turning off their phones.
This approach is reminiscent of how young people were once educated about sex. However, attitudes towards sex education have evolved, with a greater emphasis on safe practices and consent.
Similarly, a more positive approach is necessary to help young people utilize social media safely, manage associated risks, and reap its benefits.
This approach should be free from judgment, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of technology, encompassing both its advantages and disadvantages. It should be rooted in empowering young people with the skills required to participate safely in the digital world and comprehend the mechanisms behind their social media feeds.
Dedicated classes for children and parents
Schools can take several key measures to enhance social media literacy among young people.
Given the complexity and breadth of the topic, specific classes dedicated to social media literacy are essential. Integrating it into other subjects like English or math may cause it to be overlooked or forgotten.
These classes should commence in the later years of primary school, when most children are about to receive their first phone. Their technology usage significantly changes during this period, and it is crucial to equip them with social media literacy skills before they develop behaviors that may persist into adulthood.
In addition to classes for children, schools can also offer social media literacy courses for parents who often feel overwhelmed and powerless when assisting their children in navigating social media.
While many schools already provide annual cyber safety talks for parents, the content tends to be repetitive and focused on internet dangers, which is unhelpful. When speaking with parents, they express feeling overwhelmed by the problem without a clear solution.
Educating parents about social media literacy and highlighting the positive aspects of social media will enable them to better support their children. This education for parents should involve specialists from various fields, such as data scientists, sociologists, marketers, videographers, and human behavior researchers, as social media and its usage encompass multiple layers.
However, schools cannot undertake this crucial work alone. If the government genuinely desires to prioritize children’s online safety, it must go beyond simply banning them from social media.
It should actively contribute to the development and funding of improved social media literacy programs.
