Burning issue

There’s no doubt that the world is witnessing significant behavioural changes in children after social media gave them more freedom than children under 16 years of age used to enjoy.

However, we have to accept the reality that this is an entirely different world. It is the world of information technology and artificial intelligence, where people must be skilled and competitive in new technological fields so that they can lead their professional lives with honour and dignity (“Children under 16 will be banned from using social media, says British PM,” June 15, Gulf Today website).

In my personal opinion, banning children under 16 from using social media will not work because it is almost impossible to keep children away from mobile phones and other digital gadgets. Such a ban may also harm children’s ability to learn and become familiar with new technology.

The concerns of countries regarding children under 16 using social media, which gives them unlimited freedom, are justifiable. However, I am sure there are better ways to regulate children’s use of social media than imposing a complete ban.

I hope the wealthy owners of high-tech companies, who earn huge revenues from these platforms, will introduce applications that address this burning issue of social media usage in a way that is acceptable to both children and parents.

Saqib Ihsan,
By email