Researchers advise the House of Representatives: education needed on safe screen use for children

How do we protect our children from the negative effects of social media? Who is responsible for that protection? And on the other hand, how do we use the opportunities presented by the online environment? The House of Representatives is dealing with these questions. Regina van den Eijnden studies social media use among young people at Utrecht University. Together with fellow researchers, including former colleague Ina Koning (VU Amsterdam), she was invited to the House of Representatives' round-table discussion on online children's rights.

Addictive behaviour

Van den Eijnden begins her speech: "For the past decade, we have been researching the impact of social media use. We see that the grip of the social media industry has increased. International research (HBSC) shows that the percentage of problematic users is rising: in 2017, 4% of girls were addicted to social media – by 2021 it was 7%."

And that addictive behaviour is problematic. Indeed, it has all kinds of negative consequences for children. "If we look at addictive behaviour, we can clearly see that it triggers a negative spiral. Children start feeling worse about themselves and develop more symptoms of depression. Their self-esteem also becomes worse, and their concentration span decreases." The social media industry has definitely contributed to this, Van den Eijnden argues: "All sorts of addictive elements are being added, keeping children and young people glued to their phones." Consider endless scrolling: the fact that apps keep introducing new content, which children may or may not be interested in, creates irregular dopamine shots: a principle that is also used in slot machines and is highly addictive.

If we look at addictive behaviour, we can clearly see that it triggers a negative spiral. Children start feeling worse about themselves and develop more symptoms of depression. Their self-esteem also becomes worse, and their concentration span decreases.

Content

The content shown is likewise not always safe for children. Fellow researcher Ina Koning adds: "Research from 2022 shows that children are constantly being exposed to harmful videos on TikTok. Harmful videos on body image and mental well-being are shown every 39 seconds. Within 2.6 minutes, children will even see videos about suicide."

In the round-table discussion, the key question remains: who is responsible for children at risk online? Koning: "We cannot trust tech companies to address this, as they have completely different interests. Regulations are in the works, but they will take too long for the current generation. It is important that guidelines for safe screen use are set by the government in the near future. These guidelines should help parents and youth professionals deal with screen use."

Van den Eijnden agrees: "A lot of parents have no idea how to deal with their children's smartphone use and gaming behaviour. Forty per cent of parents regret giving their children a smartphone too early. There should be an advisory from the government stating that smartphones are only recommended from 13 years of age. Should your child already have a smartphone, do not let your child carry it with them, but provide a fixed place in the living room. Agree that the phone does not belong to them but is a joint product. And do not let your kids take a smartphone into their bedroom at night."

Role of tech companies

Hanneke van der Werf (D66 MP) asked whether tech companies should not also play a role in this. Van den Eijnden is critical: "I think a campaign should come purely from the government, and the industry should have nothing to do with it. The NIX campaign on alcohol use and the campaign to convince young people not to smoke did not involve the liquor or tobacco industry either." Van der Werf clarifies her question: "How can you enforce that it goes beyond a non-committal poster that hangs in a bus shelter for two months?" In response, the researcher states: "I think they are two different things. On the one hand, you have government advice. On the other, there are laws and regulations to stop the industry."

The NIX campaign on alcohol use and the campaign to convince young people not to smoke also did not involve the liquor or tobacco industry.

Guidelines

Barbera Kathmann (MP for GL-PvdA) agrees with guidelines coming soon. As a politician and mother, she says: "My child is already a lost cause. But let’s act fast, for all parents and children who are younger. What does Ms Koning think of the following guidelines: no smartphone until 12 years of age, a startphone from 12 to 14 years of age that gives limited access to apps, a smartphone that cannot do everything yet from 14 years of age and a smartphone with social media from 16 years of age?" Ina Koning thinks this would be a good solution. "With today's social media platforms, it is indeed good to put off smartphone use for as long as possible. At the same time, social media offer opportunities: connecting with friends around the world can be very valuable. So I would rather see child-friendly social media platforms. Without addictive elements, supervised by parents with the assurance that age verification is in order."

I would rather see child-friendly social media platforms. Without addictive elements, supervised by parents with the assurance that age verification is in order