Experts agree: children should not be allowed on social media at this age

Blue light, addiction, the vehemence of social networks… Our phones are often considered harmful and aggressive. But there is an age at which we should definitely not let children near them.

Letting a child wander around on a phone is often the easy way out. Captivated by his screen, he remains calm and focused on the object he is holding in his hands, no longer taking into account the world around him. Access to phones and registration on social networks is becoming increasingly younger, but experts are unanimous: you have to wait until a certain age before letting your children on Instagram, Tiktok or Snapchat.

The consequences of using social networks too early are significant. Entertaining and captivating, they can attract your children for hours and unknowingly disrupt their cognitive and psychological development. Platforms like Tiktok or Instagram therefore appear as dangers for your little protégés. 

Dr. Mitch Prinstein, an American clinical psychologist and expert on adolescent mental health, says that frequent use of social media at an early age can lead to sleep and concentration problems, as well as the risk of depression. by the American Psychological Association, the professional says that "children should not have access to social media until they are at least 13 years old".

However, it is indeed the entry into secondary school that marks the appearance of smartphones and social networks among the majority of young people, i.e. 11 to 12 year olds, according to a recent study by the Observatory of Parenting and Digital Education (OPEN). A trap. According to data from the CNIL published when a majority of digital at 15, more than half of children aged 10 to 14 are present on social networks.

In reality, everything depends on the maturity of the child. If at 13, the child still does not seem ready to face the complexity networks, there is nothing to stop you from delaying the age limit and waiting a few more years. The later access is made, the less harmful consequences will be seen. 16 years old would be an ideal age, according to experts.

If your child gets involved early enough on online platforms, it is advisable to to supervise their activities and monitor their use. With your adult perspective, you will be better able to identify good from bad content and clean up their feed.

Without parental supervision, children can abandon their ability to self-regulate (50% of adolescents show at least one sign of social media addiction) and spend many hours in front of their screens. They can also face mind-numbing, violent and even dangerous content, such as the numerous Tiktok challenges that pollute virtual spaces.