Protecting Youth Well-Being Online: Top 10 Tips to Keep Kids Safe in the Digital Age
In today’s digital world, social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives. However, along with the benefits of connectivity and information access, there are also significant risks to youth mental health and well-being. With concerns rising about the impact of social media on young individuals, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force has released a report outlining recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth.
The report highlights that approximately 95 percent of teenagers and 40 percent of children aged eight to 12 years old use some form of social media. While digital technology can offer numerous advantages to young people, it also exposes them to potential harm. Social media use has been linked to risks such as bullying, online harassment, discrimination, child sexual exploitation, and exposure to inaccurate or harmful information related to health and safety topics.
Recognizing these challenges, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to addressing the ongoing youth mental health crisis and ensuring that young Americans have the necessary tools and support to thrive online. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of protecting children’s privacy and mental health as they spend more time online. The recommendations in the report aim to create an internet environment that prioritizes the well-being of all users, particularly youth.
The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force is co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Task Force members have committed to taking future actions, including providing additional resources for kids, teenagers, and families, offering guidance for pediatricians, and conducting further research to address the challenges young people face online.
To ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals using social media and online platforms, the report outlines a series of recommendations for industry stakeholders to implement. These recommended practices are designed to shape online experiences in a way that prioritizes youth well-being, privacy, and safety. Some key industry recommendations include:
1. Designing age-appropriate experiences for youth users
2. Making privacy protections for youth the default
3. Reducing features that encourage excessive or problematic use by youth
4. Limiting “likes” and social comparison features for youth by default
5. Developing strategies to counter child sexual exploitation and abuse
6. Providing accurate safety-related information about apps
7. Addressing bias and discrimination that youth experience online
8. Using data-driven methods to prevent cyberbullying and online harassment
9. Offering age-appropriate parental control tools
10. Making data accessible for research purposes
In addition to industry recommendations, the report also includes resources and best practices for parents and caregivers to help them navigate the complex landscape of social media and online platforms. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with the SAMHSA-funded Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, has developed materials to support families in initiating conversations about technology use and promoting healthy online habits.
Dr. Megan Moreno, co-Medical Director of the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, emphasized the importance of providing actionable resources for families and caregivers. These resources include conversation starters, activities, and handouts to help parents engage children in discussions about safe online practices and responsible technology use. Dr. Suzanne Barchers, an educational advisor at LingoKids, highlighted the ongoing role of parents in monitoring their children’s online activities and promoting a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
Moving forward, the report suggests several next steps for policymakers to further protect youth health, safety, and privacy online. These recommendations include enacting federal legislation, advancing industry actions to implement best practices, supporting research into youth privacy and safety, promoting youth voices in solution setting, and engaging in international collaborations on online safety initiatives.
In conclusion, safeguarding youth well-being in the digital age requires a collective effort from parents, caregivers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and young individuals themselves. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report and fostering open communication about technology use, we can create a safer and more positive online environment for all. Let’s work together to protect the mental health and well-being of our youth in the digital world.