Dear parents, When was the last time you really checked your children’s mobile phones? Was it when they were 8-9 year olds who just tapped on colorful apps and laughed at funny filters? Or have you taken the time to explore your children’s digital world when they are 13 and up, and at the most vulnerable stage in their lives? We are facing a digital reality that demands your attention and protection, especially on social media. We need to be given room to develop in a safe environment before we are exposed to the often merciless world of likes, comments and dangerous strangers. Although the current age limit on most social media is 13, this barrier appears fragile and insufficient. Therefore, as a 16-year-old myself, I request that a 16-year age limit be introduced on social media. It is also important to have stricter regulation, which means that the social media actually have to check the age of those who create profiles. Social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives. They have become our social playgrounds, our sources of news, and even our places of political engagement. But unfortunately there are no roses without thorns. With the increase in online bullying, grooming and other unwanted content, it is high time to reconsider how we regulate access to these platforms. Take “Pia” as an example. She is 13 years old and an active user of Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and anything else that is trendy. Whenever she opens these apps, she is immediately greeted by a world filled with false ideals and harmful norms. Retouched images of models and influencers bombard her daily, creating a feeling of inadequacy and self-loathing. These platforms have normalized dangerous habits and beauty ideals that are harmful to everyone, but hit young people the hardest. Pia hears daily about “hourglass body” and “keto diet” from peers who have seen it on TikTok. It is deeply worrying that such topics of conversation are already common among children in seventh grade, creating a culture where body pressure and unhealthy ideals are part of everyday life at the age of just 13. Is it any wonder that depression and anxiety among young people has doubled in the last decade? But the problem doesn’t stop there. Behind the screen lurks other, more hidden dangers. Older, manipulative individuals use fake profiles to exploit young girls and boys. These predators use social media as a hunting ground and unfortunately it is all too easy for them to connect with vulnerable children. Norwegian children, as young as eight, take nude pictures of themselves and sell them online, while girls from 13 to 16 actively look for “sugar daddies”. Such incidents are becoming more common with each passing day. And there is no doubt that the older you are, the better equipped you are to cope with it. You adults are unfortunately far too naive when it comes to technology’s influence on me and others my age. It’s time to be honest with yourselves – how many of you really know what your kids are up to on social media? So dear adults, both parents and politicians, it is your responsibility to protect us, but unfortunately this is something only a few of you manage to do. By introducing an age limit of 16, we young people can have the time we need to develop critical thinking. Then we can more safely navigate our way through today’s digital reality. Whether it is with or without their help. The chronicler is the leader of Arendal and Grimstad Unge Høyre, but writes here only on behalf of himself.
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Lethargic parents – Speech
