The social media ban sceptic: are we getting it wrong on kids, tech and mental health?
Summary
Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers argues that banning social media for teenagers may not solve mental health problems and could make things worse. She believes that online risks come from adults, especially men, rather than social media itself, and says the focus should be on better understanding how young people use technology.Key Facts
- Candice Odgers is a psychologist who studies adolescent mental health and technology use.
- Odgers says men are the biggest cause of harmful behavior online, like sextortion and spreading false information.
- She gave her own children smartphones at age 11 and allowed her daughter to use Snapchat from that age.
- Odgers disagrees with banning phones or social media for under-16s and is concerned those bans may backfire.
- She studies how young people use phones by collecting data about their activity, sleep, and feelings with their permission.
- Psychologist Jonathan Haidt believes avoiding social media helps protect kids’ mental health. His views have influenced parents and politicians to push for age restrictions.
- Odgers argues there is limited evidence that social media causes a mental health crisis for teens.
- She highlights improvements in today’s teenagers, such as lower pregnancy rates and less violence, compared to past generations.
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