THE DANGER OF UNDERAGE CHILDREN USING SOCIAL MEDIA

 By Alwan Indra Prawira Negara (30802300015)

Many parents today allow or simply do not monitor their children’s early exposure to social media, despite the significant dangers it poses. In Indonesia, 48% of children under 12 already have access to the internet, often using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This is concerning because children under 17 are still developing their thinking and emotional regulation, making them vulnerable to harmful content.

Source: Casey Jadew, stock.adobe.comR

Research from the Europa Joint Research Centre shows that excessive screen time affects parts of the brain responsible for self-control and emotional processing. Social media can contribute to anxiety and impaired decision-making in children. Worse, risks like online grooming, exposure to inappropriate content, and cyberbullying are rising sharply. For example, the US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported cases of online enticement nearly doubled between early 2024 and 2025.

Source: gettyimages

Parents have a crucial role in protecting their children by limiting social media access until they are mature enough to understand its risks. Without such guidance, children risk being harmed and unable to discern right from wrong online. Therefore, parents must actively prevent underage children from joining social media prematurely and educate them properly before allowing access.