Smartphones and social media feed a torrent of content into our eyes, yet provide very little real substance for our lives. Social media negatively affects every age group, but the most vulnerable are children and adolescents. Unfortunately, they’re also the easiest targets to blame for excessive social media use and mindlessly staring at their phones.
But the fault does not lie with children or teens. The blame is on us adults. Have we created a monster that no single adult, or even a large group of them, can fight it? If decision-makers and entire societies find themselves kneeling before algorithmic manipulation, unable to keep pace with developments or to offer support to parents and other caregivers, can we still have hope?
Good initiatives are needed
It often feels like parents are completely alone in this issue.
Fortunately, that’s not entirely true. There are many organizations that have taken active steps to change the current situation. There are also brave teachers and schools that have carried out concrete actions to improve things. And it’s important to remember that the majority of children and adolescents support limiting social media and phone use, provided the rules and restrictions apply equally to everyone.
One such spark of hope is the ongoing citizens’ initiative that demands better regulation and protection for social media platforms aimed at children and young people. Many think, “Surely such a legislative proposal won’t solve anything,” but every signature, vote, and discussion around this topic puts pressure on policymakers and social media platforms. It reminds them that we do not accept a digital Wild West where children and adolescents are left entirely on their own. Read it, support it, and share it. Please take a concrete step for this cause.
A parent’s greatest asset is knowledge
School of Gaming wants to be an active player in this field, standing firmly beside parents, providing help and support. Sharing knowledge and good practices with parents is just as important a part of our operations as the high-quality game-based learning and activities we offer to children and young people.
When we understand how algorithms entice, hook, and manipulate social media users’ minds, it becomes easier to take practical measures. At the grassroots level, this might mean “phone parking” or technically limited screen time. It could also involve family rules: screens off by eight o’clock, no phones in the bedroom at night, or only traditional board games on weekends. By the way - check out SoG’s “Pelidiili”.
Such rules can still sometimes feel insufficient because the social pressure surrounding young people is enormous. That’s why it’s essential to join forces with neighbors, friends, schools, and hobby groups. The more families raise these issues in parent meetings, during free time hobbies, and similar gatherings, the more quickly the drive for change will steer us toward healthier practices. Then it’s easier for kids to be “different” in this particular case, and they feel safer going against the mainstream and setting an example for others.
Total bans serve no one
It’s not about going back to the Stone Age and living in caves. Rather, it’s about ensuring that children and adolescents can use devices and software safely and in moderation, supporting their personal development rather than being torn apart by arbitrary algorithms.
School of Gaming always encourages parents to spend time together with their child on this subject. Whether it’s about social media or gaming, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the apps your child uses, show interest, and discuss guidelines and risks together.
One step at a time toward digital citizenship
It’s good to convey the idea that you can talk freely about anything without anyone confiscating your devices or reducing screen time simply because some issue is confusing or raises questions. Or because someone encounters bad behavior or inappropriate content online. By doing so, you give your child the keys to using technology wisely and responsibly.
Also remember that this action is not confined to the home. Schools, kindergartens, hobby providers and youth services can, through coordinated efforts, promote healthy digital and media usage habits. A shared stance, for example with the school, provides children with a clear model for how to behave regarding social media and phone use.
You have the right to demand this. And you can constructively encourage others to join. It’s both your and your child’s right!
Don’t get discouraged – change doesn’t happen overnight
There’s an old meme floating around the internet. Old, but still as relevant as ever. Probably because it speaks to something deep in our human nature.
Despite our natural inclination to think “someone else will take care of it,” eventually we all realize, “If not me, then who else?” Certainly not rapper Cheek, he’s already retired. Once that light is switched on, change can begin. Hopefully this text sparks a light bulb for someone, somewhere, and sets local momentum in motion.
When we take action, we notice that more and more decision-makers, teachers, parents, and young people around us are also tackling this problem. One day, fiddling with a smartphone might be as uncool among teens as binge drinking is now. Time will be spent on more constructive activities: playing together, gaming, music, conversations, and joyful laughter.
Do something concrete today
It’s important to emphasize that these are not minor issues. This isn’t nitpicking; we’re talking about survival in the face of a wave-like phenomenon, one made all the more powerful by the extremely rapid development of artificial intelligence. Therefore, there’s no time to waste.
The door is open to building a healthier, more humane future for our children. A functioning society is built on choices, and every family, every school class, every company, and every decision-maker is part of the solution.
Take a concrete step today:
- Spread this message
- Sign the citizens’ initiative
- Talk about this topic at your next parent meeting
Social media is not important - Life is!