Why social media isn’t a necessity for your child

Social media, for many, has its pros and cons. It is one rave of the moment that has its fangs on many and surprisingly taking a firm grip on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Ideally, it can be handled by young adults who have attained the age of 18. But these days, everyone, especially 6-7 year-olds, have become pros on this platform. 

Abiola Odewale, 39-year-old teacher, says “It’s crazy and funny to hear some of my friends talk about their seven year olds having accounts on facebook, instagram and even snapchat. It’s outrageous for children of that age to have social media accounts and to think they actually have the support of their parents! Do we realize the dangers and uncensored content these children are exposed to?”

Bilkisu Sani, 40-year-old management consultant says, “Parenting in today’s world is quite tasking. Social media has taken over almost all spheres of life and sadly creeping into the lives of our young children. I recall the day my 11-year- old son asked if he could open a facebook account since he was now in JSS1. It was constant pressure from him and his dad surprisingly. They argued that the world was growing and social media was the in thing. I remained resolute in my decision and stood my ground not to allow him have any social media account. I then made his father understand that at this age; my son loses nothing by not being on any social media platform but can and will lose everything if we allow him on such platforms at such tender age.”

Amina Sadeeq, 40-year-old entrepreneur, asks “ My question always is and still is, why will any right thinking parent want to disrupt the educational development of his/her child? As parents and adults, some of us do not have the moral justification to be on social media platforms, so why do we think a child of that age is mature enough to be on social media. We need to get our parenting skills right, if not we may just be grooming a disaster waiting to happen.”

Ada Okereke, 39-year-old mother of four, says “Have we forgotten so fast that there are predators everywhere on social media? So why would any parent want to expose their child on a platform filled with predators. Parents need to start becoming parents and stop this mentality of being the ‘Super dapper 21st Century mum/dad’ because this could lead to us being the saddest parents. The earlier we realize that social media for children do more harm than good the better.”