Subscribe now

Analysis and Technology

We should teach kids how to use social media, not scare them off

By Nic Fleming

8 January 2018

A teen sat on a wall outside typing on a cellphone

Teach them how to tweet

Mixmike/Getty

Is social media broadening children’s horizons and opening up new opportunities? Or is it undermining their confidence, creativity and attention spans?

The minimum official age for use of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Snapchat is 13, yet three-quarters of 10- to 12-year-olds in the UK are said to have accounts. So what should parents do?

The latest round of worry was sparked by a study of the impact of social media use on 8- to 12-year-olds published last week by Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England. The report looked at the social media use of…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop