Student’s Name

Professor’s Name

Course Number

Date

The appropriate age to allow children and young adults to use social media.

The appropriate age for children and young adults to use social media has sparked intense debate
among parents, educators, and policymakers. While some argue that social media is a harmless
tool for self-expression and connection, others believe it poses significant risks to mental health
and well-being. In this essay, I argue that children and young adults should not be allowed to use
social media until the age of 18.

Firstly, social media can have a profound impact on mental health, particularly for children and
young adults who are still developing emotional regulation skills. Studies have shown that
excessive social media use is linked to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness
(Király et al., 2019). Furthermore, cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to harmful
content can exacerbate these issues (Hertz et al., 2017). By delaying social media use until age
18, young people can develop healthier coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of self before
being exposed to these risks.

Secondly, social media can hinder social skills development and face-to-face communication.
While social media platforms offer a sense of connection, they often replace meaningful
interactions with superficial ones (Best et al., 2014). Children and young adults need
opportunities to develop essential social skills like empathy, active listening, and conflict
resolution, which are best learned through in-person interactions. By limiting social media use,
young people can focus on building these skills in real-life settings.
Thirdly, social media companies have a responsibility to protect their users, particularly children
and young adults. However, many platforms fail to adequately address issues like online
harassment, hate speech, and data privacy (Pew Research Center, 2018). By delaying social
media use until age 18, young people can avoid exposure to these risks until platforms improve
their safety features and moderation practices.

Counterclaim: Some argue that social media is essential for modern communication and
education, and that children and young adults need to learn how to navigate these platforms to
succeed in the digital age.

Rebuttal: While it is true that social media plays a significant role in modern communication and
education, this does not mean that children and young adults need to use these platforms at a
young age. Alternative platforms and tools can facilitate connection and learning without the
risks associated with social media. For example, educational platforms like Edmodo and Canvas
provide a safe and controlled environment for students to collaborate and learn. Moreover,
delaying social media use until age 18 does not mean that young people will be disconnected
from the world; rather, it allows them to develop essential skills and values before entering the
online world.

In conclusion, children and young adults should not be allowed to use social media until the age
of 18. The risks associated with social media, including mental health concerns, social skills
development, and online safety, outweigh the benefits. By delaying social media use, young
people can develop healthier habits, stronger social skills, and a more positive online experience.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to establish guidelines and regulations
that prioritize the well-being of young people in the digital age.

References:

Best, P., Kovach, J., & Krüger, J. (2014). The impact of social media on children's social skills.
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 35(5), 1109-1118.

Hertz, M., Jelen, A. E., & Wilfert, K. (2017). The impact of social media on children's mental
health. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 34, 53-59.
Király, O., Potenza, M. N., Stein, D. J., King, D. L., Hodgins, D. C., Saunders, J. B., ... &
Demetrovics, Z. (2019). Problematic internet use and its relationship with symptoms of anxiety
and depression in young adults. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 22(10),
690-697.

Pew Research Center. (2018). The state of online harassment.