Risks of unregulated social media use
In the hands of minors, social media is both a tool and a ticking time bomb.
What you need to know:
- Research has shown that the constant need for validation through ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ can erode self-esteem.
- It is essential to step up and institute regulatory frameworks that prioritise the safety of its youth online.
Social media has revolutionised how we communicate, learn and access information. For Kenya, where digital transformation has gained remarkable traction, the benefits are undeniable.
Yet, as we embrace these technological strides, we must confront a sobering truth: the unregulated use of social media by minors poses serious risks that threaten the well-being and future of our youth.
In the hands of minors, social media is both a tool and a ticking time bomb. While it offers opportunities for learning, networking and creative expression, it also exposes young minds to a relentless stream of content that is often toxic, harmful, and unfiltered.
Constant need for validation
From cyberbullying and online predators to unrealistic portrayals of life that fuel anxiety and depression, the dangers are real and immediate.
The issue goes beyond individual cases of harm; it is a national concern that speaks to the kind of society we are shaping. The effects of unmonitored social media use manifest in declining mental health, reduced productivity and a generation that is growing up more disconnected from reality.
Research has shown that the constant need for validation through ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ can erode self-esteem and drive feelings of inadequacy.
Age verification mechanisms
It is essential to step up and institute regulatory frameworks that prioritise the safety of its youth online. This is not a call for censorship but a demand for protection.
Policies must be crafted to ensure that social media platforms implement age verification mechanisms and parental controls that are both effective and enforceable. The government should work in collaboration with technology companies, schools and parents to create a safer digital environment .
Educational institutions have a role to play. They need to integrate digital literacy programmes into their curricula to enable them teach students not only how to use social media responsibly but also how to recognise and mitigate the risks associated with its misuse. Kenya’s future depends on the well-being of its youth.
Ayub Njuguna, Master of Arts student in English Language and Linguistics at Egerton University
