How we can solve kids accessing social media too early

Kids are accessing social media too early, exposing them to inappropriate content.

The Solution? Age verification. But it’s not perfect.

Why it’s Tough:

• Tech-Savvy Kids: They can easily bypass age checks using VPNs or fake IDs.

• Privacy Risks: Platforms with children’s IDs for verification can be hacked putting children and their families at risk.

• Government Challenges: Tech company resistance. Age-verification services are costly eating into their profits, plus the unwanted added responsibility for the security of verification platforms.

What can parents do right now, to block inappropriate content

1. Stop unsuitable videos: go to YouTube settings, disable ‘Autoplay’ and disable ‘Recommendations’

2. Block adult-like ads on children’s websites: install an ad blocker; they’re free in simple to instal.

3. Minimise adult social media content by training the algorithm. Click ‘dislike’, ‘not interested’ on content and add restricted mode in the settings.

4. Reduce adult content on Google, devices, and Netflix by switching to restricted mode in settings.

5. Switch to YouTube Kids for younger children instead of YouTube.