Technology and social media have become integral to the lives of many children and teenagers. These platforms offer numerous opportunities for connection, learning, and entertainment but can also present significant risks. From child sexual abuse material and privacy violations to hate speech, misinformation, and other toxic content, the hazards associated with social media are real and certainly demand attention from parents, caregivers, educators, and government.
At the White Hatter, we advocate for protective principles and legislation to address these risks. However, we emphasize caution and preventative measures that are evidence based, over reactive solutions and legislation that are often fanned by emotion and politics.(1) The urgency to tackle these issues is understandable, but it’s crucial to recognize that proposed solutions may not always be the most effective. For instance, implementing blanket bans on technology, such as restricting cellphone use until a certain age or grade level, might seem beneficial but could inadvertently limit access to educational resources and legitimate educational pedagogy.(2)
Yes, forcing big tech platforms to take substantial action is absolutely necessary, but we must ensure that any measures implemented are evidence-based, well-thought-out, and focus on the companies rather than the youth themselves. For example, requiring platforms to implement stronger age verification processes can help protect younger users without placing undue restrictions on their access to beneficial online resources. The challenge – implementing age verification that does not put a youth’s privacy at risk.(3)(4)
While protecting youth from online dangers is essential, hastily introduced regulations could lead to unintended consequences, such as impairing digital literacy by limiting internet exposure and reducing access to educational and informative resources. These rushed measures can also stifle innovation and focus on symptoms rather than root causes, failing to address underlying issues effectively. Furthermore, overly stringent or impractical regulations may encourage non-compliance, infringe on privacy and free expression rights, and ultimately undermine the intended protective measures. Therefore, a balanced and carefully considered approach that is evidence-based is essential to create effective regulations that safeguard children without these negative side effects.
Youth need to be equipped with the skills to navigate the onlife world safely and responsibly. A balance must be struck between safeguarding them from online threats and preparing them for future onlife challenges. Without this balance, we risk leaving our children less prepared for the complexities of their digital future in today’s and tomorrow’s onlife world – like it or not technology and social media is here to stay, and will become even more integrated into society with the transformative nature of artificial intelligence. (5) This is why programs that teach digital literacy and internet safety in schools, for example, can help children recognize and avoid online dangers while developing critical thinking skills as they grow and mature into adulthood – something that we obviously advocate for here at the White Hatter.(6)
Technology and social media platforms are designed to be engaging and retain users’ attention, sometimes at the expense of the well-being of “some” youth. One significant challenge in regulating social media is verifying that platforms have indeed been modified to reduce their problematic use once laws are enacted. This verification process poses difficulties, complicating compliance. For example, ensuring that algorithms designed to keep users engaged are modified without reducing the user experience is a complex task that requires careful oversight. Rushed legislation, while well-intentioned, can sometimes do more harm than good, making it essential for laws to be thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized to avoid unintended consequences especially under the rights guaranteed us under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms here in our country.
Instead of a fragmented approach with provinces implementing varying regulations, a well-developed federal strategy is crucial. A unified approach ensures consistency and comprehensiveness, making it easier to enforce regulations and protect children across the country. For example, a federal standard for content moderation could provide clear guidelines for social media companies, ensuring that protective measures are consistent nationwide – Canadian Bill C-63, although not perfect and needing some legislative changes, is a good first step in that direction in our opinion.(7)(8)
While the fight to make technology and social media safer for children is imperative, it is equally important to approach this challenge with careful consideration and foresight. The stakes are high, and the decisions we make today will shape the online landscape for generations to come. Let’s work together to ensure that our children can navigate the onlife world safely, equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to build resiliency and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
We firmly believe, backed by strong evidence-based research, that initiatives like digital literacy education and collaborations, along with effective legislation based on evidence, involving tech companies, educators, and policymakers, can foster a safer and more supportive online environment for our youth. This approach contrasts with attempts to address these identified onlife challenges in isolation through legislation alone!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/some-thoughts-about-cellphones-in-classrooms/
3/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/online-age-verification-laws-privacy/