Teach instead of banning

I feel that a child below 16 years of age can be given access to social media sites with parental consent. Keeping a ban on it is not practical anyway, because of the extent to which social media has spread. I myself am below 16 years, and I use Facebook with the full permission of my parents. Till now, it has only done good. If children are advised on the proper use of social media, it would be much better.

Vismaya Sanilkumar

UAE

Involve them

I don’t agree with setting a minimum age for social media at 16 years. If we think practically, it is either not possible or difficult to put a ban or set an age limit on using social media. Under-16s are already there. Instead of doing that, it is better if we teach them how to use social media as a flat form of many interesting items of knowledge, rather than only for chatting or showing off their lifestyle. As an example, right now, as we are participating in a debate, we can encourage them to post their views, too, like these types of posts or links. If we even discuss such topics with teenagers, slowly, I am sure they will gain interest in such activities. Just try, it is not too difficult.

From Ms Archana Sen

UAE

Platform for growth

Young adults, whom I define as 12 years or above for this purpose, should be allowed to have access to social media networks like Facebook and twitter, as this growing generation needs information and a platform where they can contribute their thoughts, views and arguments.

From Mr Mohammad Zia Al Deen

UAE

Create new apps

I would change say under-18s shouldn’t be allowed onto social media networks, not just under-16s! Children and young adults are spending huge chunks of their time on social media. However, some other applications should be developed that could be safely used by this generation.

From Mr Ghassan Audi

Beirut, Lebanon

Facebook comment

Not worth it

Yes, I believe social networks must be banned to children under 16 years old. It is one of the problems of today’s children. Instead of studying or engaging in physically active games, they are glued to social media, which is not healthy for their body or mind.

From Ms Mariella Yray Enero

UAE

Create awareness

In my point of view, teachers should raise awareness among children, on how to use social media. It should not be banned for them, because they are also a part of this platform, and have a right to enjoy and participate in the online world.

From Mr Khan Prince

Dubai

How to determine age?

I agree with the statement that under-16s should be prevented from accessing social media networks. But how are they going to do it, when every day, people join Facebook with forged ages and names? You cannot determine ages by considering facial features, because some people grow faster than others. Besides that, allowing these young people to be on Facebook has helped their parents keep them occupied and out of trouble, at home.

From Mr Kevino Alexano

UAE

Difficult to break habit

From the moment they realise they are pregnant, some mothers prepare social media accounts for their babies, and keep posting pictures of themselves and their child. So, I don’t think this is going to change.

From Ms Manal Saleh

UAE

Parents must supervise

I don’t think it’s necessary to create a minimum age of 16. If children are educated about the do’s and don’ts of being on social media, I think that’s fine. Parents should be able to supervise a child’s accounts.

From Ms Akshitha Unnithan

Dubai

Easy to monitor

My daughter has had her own accounts on the internet since she was 12. But I have monitored her constantly. I have watched for bullies and sex offenders online, too. My daughter is 20 years old now. She is fine and well adjusted. She has a circle of friends from school on Facebook, and they often do their homework and assignments together. So I think government bodies should stay out of governing the internet to this extent.

From Ms Monica Carver

UAE

Let them be

It’s all about how parents monitor their children. Don’t try to make parents lazy by keeping their children off social media websites. We all learn a lot from being on networks like twitter – it shows us the real world.

From Ms Ozaria H.

Dubai

Set an example

First, parents must be educated about the use of internet and they must discuss and understand the various ways of using technology. Children usually try to imitate parents, so set an example first.

From Mr Johndaler Ahmad T. Mancao

UAE

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