AFAIK, there's no proof that internet access harms children. The media has encouraged the belief that it does for decades, but the few studies that attempted to show any link failed to do so, and whenever governments try to pass these exclusionary laws, they're flooded with correspondence from young people who dread losing their friends and online social life. That input is unwanted, unreported, and ignored by everyone involved. Which leads me to believe "child protection" is only an excuse for what would otherwise be universally unpopular forced-identification.
There /is/ evidence that making everyone stay at home and self-isolate for months during COVID was particularly stressful and traumatic for children and teenagers - yet we're supposed to pretend that their mental health would improve if it weren't for the evil internet. And, more nonsensical still, that kids face fewer threats from adults and peers who have physical access to their bodies.
Danah boyd [lowercase intentional] recently said, "when we age-gate and think that people can magically wake up on their 13th or 18th birthday and be suddenly able to navigate digital streets just because of how many cycles they took around the sun, we’re fools. Socialization and education are still essential, regardless of how old you are."
She also mentions something I've observed: the non-politicians who are keenest to restrict children's access to the internet are conservative adults who cannot stand the idea that "their" kids might interact with people who don't share their beliefs, before the indoctrination has solidified.
Comment on Social Media Bans and AO3
aquila_black Wed 18 Dec 2024 06:37PM UTC
Last Edited Wed 18 Dec 2024 06:38PM UTC
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