Abraham Nartey

 The advent of social media has revolutionized communication, connecting people across the globe like never before. However, the question of when children and young adults should be granted access to these platforms remains highly debated. In this essay, I will argue that a thoughtful and age-appropriate approach is necessary to strike a balance between the benefits and potential risks associated with social media usage. While recognizing the advantages social media offers, it is imperative to consider the potential negative impacts on the mental and emotional well-being of young users. To begin with, Benefits of Social Media: Social media platforms provide numerous benefits that cannot be overlooked. Firstly, they facilitate communication and foster relationships by connecting individuals who share common interests, regardless of physical distance. This helps children and young adults broaden their perspectives, enhance their social skills, and develop a sense of community. For example, the story of the Senegalese-born Italian Tik Tok star, Khaby Lame shows how people can help themselves through Social Media to get to the top-most level. Also, Ghanaian teenage Tik Tok star, Jackline Mensah who has over 2.5 million followers spoke about she used earnings from Tik Tok to survive during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, social media platforms offer educational opportunities. Various educational initiatives, such as TED Talks, online courses, and informative channels, are easily accessible. By engaging with educational content on social media, young users can acquire knowledge, explore new ideas, and broaden their horizons beyond what is traditionally available in the classroom. According to a BBC News report on July 21, 2022, a new research from Ofcom has shown that more teenagers are turning away from traditional media outlets and getting their news from social media. "The number of people consuming news content on TikTok has increased from 800,000 in 2020 to 3.9 million in 2022" the most used news source". A BBC spokesman said: "According to this Ofcom research the BBC is the most used news source for 12-15 year olds - via TV, radio, and online - and young people are also consuming BBC News on social media platforms such as our hugely popular Instagram account". We can attest to it that even adults spend more time on their phones (social media) nowadays too and mostly desire to read information online rather than watch news on TV because they get tired from work. In addition, the Importance of Age-Appropriate Access. While acknowledging the potential advantages of social media, it is crucial to recognize the risks associated with premature or unrestricted access. Research consistently highlights the negative impacts of excessive social media usage on the mental and emotional well-being of young users. These risks include cyberbullying, depression, anxiety, body image issues, and decreased self-esteem. Young individuals may lack the emotional maturity and critical thinking skills required to navigate the complexities of social media. Exposing them to an unfiltered online world, without proper guidance and supervision, can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, setting an appropriate age for social media access can help mitigate potential risks and promote healthier online experiences. According to a report by Kola Milenaar of the influencer marketing hub, kids/teenagers from the ages of five: like Niana Guerrero, Everleigh Rose Soutas, Elle Lively McBroom, Fateh Halilintar, the identical twins:Taytum and Oakley Fisher and many more have made huge names for themselves using their talents through social media that many top brands have given them ambassadorial roles. The last but not the least, Rebuttal: Counterclaim and Response.A counterclaim to the argument for age-appropriate social media access might assert that strict age restrictions limit the potential benefits and opportunities available to young individuals. It could be argued that with proper parental guidance and education, children can benefit from social media at an earlier age. While it is true that parental guidance and education play a vital role, it is important to acknowledge that children mature at different rates. Setting a specific age limit provides a standardized guideline that considers the average cognitive, emotional, and social development of young individuals. It acts as a safeguard to protect those who may not be equipped to handle the potential negative impacts of social media. Moreover, age restrictions can be seen as a form of protection and responsible parenting, helping to shield children from the harmful aspects of an unregulated online environment. In conclusion, determining the appropriate age for children and young adults to access social media should be approached with care and consideration. While social media offers valuable benefits such as enhanced communication, education, and community-building, it is essential to recognize the potential risks associated with premature or unrestricted access. By setting age-appropriate guidelines, we can strike a balance that maximizes the advantages while safeguarding the mental and emotional well-being of young users. It is the responsibility of parents, educators, and society as a whole to prioritize the healthy development of children in the digital age.