In today’s digital age, social media is almost impossible to avoid. Many adults use it to connect, entertain, and inform themselves, but children, too, are increasingly drawn to social platforms at a young age. While social media can offer some positive experiences, early and unsupervised exposure can also have significant negative effects on children’s mental health.
Here’s why early access to social media without guidance can be problematic and what parents and caregivers can do to help, according to our expert Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital – Noida.
Rise Of Early Social Media Exposure
Social media platforms were originally designed for adults, with age restrictions often set at 13 and above. However, children are frequently exposed to social media much earlier, often through siblings, parents, or their own devices. Many children find ways around age restrictions, opening accounts on platforms like Instagram, or YouTube at a very young age, sometimes as early as 8 or …