Experts Back – By Sharon N Simon
Experts Back Social Media
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As concerns grow over youth mental health and online safety, local officials and health experts are urging the government to explore age-based restrictions on social media use.
Jamie Saunders, Director of Gender Affairs, says the Cabinet’s discussion of potential social media bans reflects a pressing global issue.
“It’s something that I have noticed as a young person as well as a very pervasive and relevant issue,” Saunders notes. Without proper regulation, he warns, unrestricted access can lead to severe psychological, mental and antisocial consequences for young people.
Clinical social worker and therapist Dr Judith Josiah-Martin agrees, emphasising that children aged three to 15 are in a critical developmental period.
“The openness of social media, just by being so accessible and open, is a dangerous avenue that could impact the natural development of cognitive and psychological health for our children,” Dr Josiah-Martin explains. She says excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, and also links prolonged use to dopamine and serotonin imbalances.
While the experts stress that the internet is a valuable tool for education and community-building, they emphasise that parents and policymakers must take action. Practical steps for households include establishing tech-free zones, setting strict bedtime limits on device use and using modern parental-control software.
Ultimately, the experts advocate a whole-of-society approach involving parents, schools, churches and policymakers to develop balanced, evidence-based regulations that protect children without isolating them.
