In a column on news, Nikolai Astrup writes about digital addiction and the need for regulations, especially among children and young people. I am a digital junkie and I undoubtedly need rehab, but his solutions do not correspond to reality as it is today. Children, young people and adults need stronger digital competence. This includes, among other things, privacy, algorithms, source criticism, harmful content, addiction and the ability to actively relate to these. For example, it is difficult to know how serious a TikTok video should be before reporting it to the police. Social media make a fortune from our addiction, and they create algorithms that drag us further and further into digital addiction. But, whether we like it or not, social media is here to stay. As a society, we must meet the digital challenges with sustainable solutions. In order to create good digital citizens who do not write hate comments in Aftenposten, it is necessary for the school to help provide us with this training. We can discuss the impact mobile use has on the brain in science and Trump’s use of Twitter in Norwegian. Astrup writes in his post that “School time and recess should be a mobile phone-free zone”. Such a policy will not tackle the problem at its root, but on the contrary will take away from the school the opportunity to facilitate the proper use of mobile phones. When today’s children eventually have to study, work and be citizens, it is not a teacher who comes and locks the mobile phone. Self-control and the ability to handle challenges online are important to carry with you later in life, and to get through adolescence. One aspect is to limit your own screen time, but how to deal with difficult things on social media is just as important. Astrup also wants to introduce a 16-year age limit on social media, with verified login, such as BankID. First and foremost, the proposal presents many practical challenges. Should Meta (Facebook) get access to our social security numbers? Wouldn’t some parents want to creep into their children’s wishes and let them log in with their information? In addition, I see it as a solution to a non-existent problem. Most social media are platforms that facilitate social interaction, humor and entertainment. It is the misuse of the platforms and algorithms that violates basic ethical principles and creates the problems we face today. For example bullying and exclusion, as Astrup mentions. The digital media are important social gathering arenas, also for children under the age of 16. With comprehensive expertise, from both the school and exemplary parents who are moving in the same direction, I believe it will be possible to find the balance between digital social gatherings and the 80s ideal of children playing in the streets. When young people turn 16, they have finished primary school, and society no longer has the same opportunity to influence the entire cohort. It is therefore important that we give young people, from an early age, the skills to navigate within the sometimes difficult frameworks that we encounter on social media. I’m more dependent on my mobile than anything else, but I don’t think either a 16-year-old limit or banning mobile phones at school will make the situation much better. I have tried the latter, and I can humbly confirm that it has not reduced my screen time or given me the ability to master all the challenges I face digitally. Also read:
ttn-69
