On the Radar: iPad Kids on X, Surgeon General Warning Label on Social Media and Social Platforms Teaming Up, Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

30% of ‘iPad Kids’ Are Using X

What? A new study by Qustodio found that 30% of 7- to 9-year-olds are already using the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

So What? The report, titled “Apps Through the Ages,” revealed that 13% of all posts on X specifically contain adult content. That can include sexually explicit imagery, which X doesn’t prohibit. And other studies in recent years have demonstrated how social media algorithms can easily hook kids and feed them harmful content.

Now What? A vast majority of Gen Alpha—specifically children aged 7 to 9—have access to tablets at home (75%). And nearly half (44%) own one themselves. Talking to them about the dangers of social media isn’t enough. If you’re going to allow your kids to use a tablet or smartphone, set up parental controls. Block social media apps from being downloaded onto your child’s devices. And monitor their usage on shared to devices to ensure they aren’t accessing another family member’s account.

42 State Attorneys General Demand Warning Label for Social Media

What? Forty-two state attorneys general have called on Congress to issue a Surgeon General’s warning label on social media apps “to help curtail addiction and a mental health crisis among young adults.”

So What? Studies have found that teens who use the apps three hours a day or more (a Gallup poll found they spend an average of 4.8 hours daily) double their risk of depression. But research also suggests that the apps can be beneficial to teens who use it for socialization or even research.

Now What? Delay the use of social media for as long as possible. Most apps have a self-imposed age restriction of 13, but experts suggest even later—16, if you can manage it. When your teens do start to use social media, discuss some reasonable time limits to protect their mental health. Keep devices out of the bedroom at night to avoid sleep-impeding scrolling habits and unmonitored usage behind a closed door. And make sure your kids know what they’re signing up for and what the potential dangers of social media are before they create an account.

Meta Partnering with Snapchat and TikTok to Combat Self-Harm Content

What? Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) is teaming up with social media platforms Snapchat and TikTok to establish Thrive, a signal sharing program to flag and remove suicide-focused and self-harm content.

So What? “Through Thrive, participating tech companies will be able to share signals about violating suicide or self-harm content so that other companies can investigate and take action if the same or similar content is being shared on their platforms,” Meta stated in a blog.

Now What? Although this marks a step in the right direction, parents should remain vigilant with regard to such material. Meta and other companies have faced and continue to face backlash for their addictive algorithms and other potentially harmful content. And children remain among the most vulnerable social media users. So if you or your child would like to speak to a counselor, contact Focus on the Family at 1-855-771-HELP (4357) or visit their website: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/.

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