Not wanting to sound defeatist here but if there are people out there that can hack into the most secure networks in the world then getting round a social media platform security system would be a doddle.
Social media and the decline of the youth of today are linked immensely. One of the reasons why I won't allow my son to have a mobile yet. Keeping that away from him as long as possible. I am convinced the constant rise in screen time each year has contributed to the epidemic of mental health issues that young people now face, with services for this past breaking point. Some of it is lazy parenting but some of it is pure naivety and once it's in place the cycle is hard to break.
That sums it all up for me, we're creating a rod for our own backs. You once believed your children were safe from harm in their bedrooms ... ... now, the internet and social media means it can be a very dangerous place for them. Children simply aren't capable of protecting themselves.
That basically was the crux of the end of the Adolescence series, the parents were left feeling they should have done more. Hence my call for the government need to step in and try and protect the young.
Absolutely. I’ve argued this many a time before, as someone who was told over 15 years ago by a behavioural doctor that I’ve got ADHD it’s being used far too much to excuse poor parenting now. I know of 3 single mothers who were seeing friends of mine that have pushed their kid for an autism/ADHD diagnosis because they want PIP and nothing else. See so many of these “badge of honour” parents’ kids glued to an iPad from an early age. Allowed to run riot with no rules because it “triggers” them if you say the word NO. Both of our daughters have iPads, they’re a godsend on flights to be honest but if they spend too much time on them their attitude can become wicked. Apologies for the rant but it’s something that really boils my piss at the minute. Costing the taxpayer a fortune.
Gowing up can be hard enough for kids without the constant pressure social media can and does bring. It used to be that if they were having problems with other kids at school or out playing that they had a safe space at home but with phones and social media it's a 24 hour thing now. I know a couple of kids that have had a rough time at school and then after school it continued on social media to the point one of them got into a horrendous state. Thankfully with the support of her family and friends they are coming out the other side and have stopped all forms of social media
Thanks for your testimony, its great you've used your experience of ADSL. Unfortunately there's always a few who spoil it for the majority, I'm sure there are loads of single parents who have done cracking jobs bringing up children on there own, but there are others who don't help. I believe the government are reviewing the PIP process.
I won't watch it. Don't like stuff with kids in the spotlight. Just don't have the stomach for it. That said, I won't ever expect the government to help me set expectations and moral choices my children. It's my job of a parent. Some parents need to take a look at themselves and put more graft in, set the standard. Not whinge when behaviour and morals are compromised. See parents in restaurants, with kids, massive tablets on the table. FFS, teach them to eat properly, hold a conversation etc.
I struggled to watch it as it was about the strain on the father and son relationship. Agree there are parenting issues but feel we all need help such as the expected control of Internet content which sadly is non existent. The banning of mobile Internet for under 16s would be a start.
I wouldn't be on board with that approach TBH. Many key apps like WhatsApp need mobile internet. A quick message can safe alot of stress for a parent etc. For me it's just using the tools available to track the child's mobile usage, app usage and have honest conversations with them regularly. Listen and teach, not just assume everything is fine.
WhatsApp isn't a key app. You can always text, or in your words, telephone and have a conversation... then you get to hear how your child is doing.
Of course. Sometimes it's not possible to have that conversation. I would argue WhatsApp is rather key. Groups of relatives in a chat, 1 message can inform everyone there is an issue etc. That said, for me it's nowt to do with the government. Parents just need to be better.
Absolutely and hats off to those single mothers/parents who do it because it’s bloody hard enough at times with both parents! Piss takers ruining it for those that really do need the help.
Our kids (9 & 13) have had devices since they were fairly young but we have strict time limits on their use - parental controls are pretty good at this point for both major phone brands so you can limit what they install - ours for instance cant install anything without our approval and they automatically turn off at a certain point of the day and once they reach a time limit. Parents now saying they arent good with tech is a cop out imo - none of this stuff is difficult to learn - but you really dont want any kids being allowed unrestricted access to the internet. Neither of mine are on social media - my eldest doesnt want any social media so i'm quite pleased about that - they both have whatsapp but thats just to contact my dad who lives in spain and video calls once a week - they are not allowed contact with anyone outside an approved list of friends.
Starmer meets the creators of Adolescence and plans for it to be shown in all secondary schools. The moronic students behaviour in episode 2 will probably incite...
I see the Crown Prosecution Service have levelled 10 barrels at the Tate brothers. Extradition application sent to Romania.
