Global marketing research company Mintel has released a report about the use ofsocial network among youngsters in the UK. The results show that there are just below one million UK children aged from 7 to 12 use social network sites. However these young users are all below the social network’s minimum age limit.
To me, this age limit is no more than a fulfilment of legal requirement. It is not stopping children from using social network. There is nothing wrong for a child to use facebook. Don’t forget they are the “digital natives” who are born in the digital age. Children using facebook is a norm in this age. This is not much different from children sticking in front of TV in the past 80s and 90s.
The research also discovered the reasons why UK children use social network. 63% of these young users said they join the network because their friends do. I think this figure has pointed out one key of social networking – It is an online social circle in which members interact in different manners compared to interaction in the real world’s social circles. I think it is like learning to ride a bike. The earlier you touch it, the earlier you learned it. Starting social networking in childhood is not as bad.
I have about a dozen friends on my facebook aged below 12 who are usually relatives. Some of them are very active in updating status and showcasing photos. The focus of the case is always the appropriate use of social media – Think before posting anything. Children must learn what should be considered before posting.
The following video views this from a parenting angle.
As the lady has pointed out, the different interaction manner in online social networking is the magnifying effect – many others can see your interaction with your friends. I think the earlier children learn this, the better use this tool.
Hi Johnathon,
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice post. Yes for sure, the children do nothing wrong for access social network because it depends on how many responsibility can the parents pay for it. The problem is does the Internet is that safe like the man said. I don’t think it is safe all the time because the kids may not handle very well in something like Cyber-bullying. What if the parents do not discovery and stop it currently, Facebook may become a dangerous weapon to hurt the children psychologically.
Hi Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that early exposure to new media and social network is not a harm. All kids need is a balance between parental guidance and freedom. But I just wonder, if kids are using a created "adult" identity and share their photos saying "that's my kid" (in fact that's who they are, actually) LOL
Hi all, I see that everyone thinks that children having early exposure is not a problem. However I would like to point out that it may cause trauma to a child if he/she were attacked online by others and took the rude or offensive comments seriously. I think some education about the Internet from schools should be taught first before allowing children to have their own Facebook account.
ReplyDelete