By Owen Wescott

Ten-year-olds with TikTok accounts.

Fourth-graders glued to Snapchat.

It’s not just a headline anymore—it’s reality.

The question of whether kids should have access to social media is one that parents, educators, and even kids themselves are struggling to answer. After speaking with a school psychologist, my own mother, and reflecting on my peers’ experiences, one thing is clear: the risks of early social media exposure far outweigh the benefits.

The Allure of Social Media for Kids

There’s no denying that social media is fun. It’s fast, colorful, interactive and frankly, it’s everywhere. In this new digital age, there is no life without technology. In schools, children are exposed to many things for the first time. However, this is also when social media enters the picture. Children see their older siblings or classmates using these sites and strive to be a part of the craze themselves.

For me, fifth grade was when it all started. I remember a few of my friends got their first phones for “emergencies only.” However, this quickly snowballed into them joining social media. From there, the damage was done. Everyone begged their parents for phones, and most kids got them. By other kids’ standards, I was late to the party when I got my phone in eighth grade.” – Owen Wescott

What was the first app I downloaded?

Snapchat.

I finally did it, and it was like an entirely new life had begun for me. Social media quickly became an obsession. At that age, no one really understood WHAT exactly we were doing, but we knew it was fun. Snapchat provided new ways to stay in touch outside of class or sports. We could talk to our friends, use funny filters and post pictures of our pets and lives. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. With their new found freedom, students started picking on each other and posting negative comments all under the facade that they were protected. After 24 hours, posts and chats disappear, so what damage could really be done?

I asked Trina Paddock, a school psychologist for Northampton School District, for her perspective on this topic. She confirmed that what I saw in my peers is common.

“For students, the most common concern is social issues stemming from social media use. I see kids struggling with anxiety and attention issues resulting from their social media use.”

Mrs. Paddock went on to say that “negative interactions and cyber bulling on Snapchat are common because the posts disappear. At young ages, students simplify just don’t understand the consequences of their actions.”

The Mental Health Toll

Social media can be a toxic place even for adults. For children, it can be downright damaging. Kids are still developing emotionally and psychologically. They don’t always understand sarcasm, cyberbullying, or the curated nature of social media posts. What they see online can easily distort their view of reality.

Paddock explained that the pressure to be “liked” and “included” can cause emotional stress.

“Children become more aware of how they’re perceived, and that can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem,” she said. We’ve all seen this in our own lives. Someone posts something online, and it gets flooded with negative comments. It may seem trivial to an adult, but to a kid, that kind of public embarrassment can be traumatic.

As a final question, I asked Mrs. Paddock “do you believe children should have access to social media at all? If so, at what age and under what conditions?”

She responded, “No, it’s terrible. I know this isn’t a realistic answer though. Social media does have some positive benefits. When used appropriately, social media can be a form of good positive self-expression. Students can find pages on any and everything. It also allows them to find people who can support you, and feelings of connectiveness. Ultimately though, I think mid to late teens is ideal, as kids can make better decisions at this point. Social media becomes a safer place once students have formed their own identity.”

A Parent’s Perspective

I also sat down with my mom, Mrs. Wescott, to get her thoughts. As both a parent and an elementary school speech pathologist, she’s had to think seriously about when and if children should be allowed on social media.

“I’ve seen with teaching that k-5 students shouldn’t have devices, but even with Chromebooks, kids have found workarounds to get on blocked sites. Even from the ages of 5-12, students still face a lot of peer pleasure as a result of things they see online. On top of this, kids know way too much about adult topics as a result of exposure to social media.” She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries early and educating children before letting them online.

“It’s not just about blocking content; it’s about teaching them what’s appropriate, what’s safe, and how to be kind.”

Why the Age Limit Matters

Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, a rule set in place to comply with COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act). But many kids lie about their age or use a parent’s account. Even though the age restriction is often ignored, it exists for a reason. It’s not just about privacy; it’s about protecting children’s developing brains and emotions.

Paddock agreed: “age guidelines are based on developmental science. From ages 10-19 your brain is exploding with development, so what you are exposed to can really have a negative impact. Social media use young can increase depression, anxiety, and fine motor skills.”

A Balanced Approach

That said, banning all technology isn’t the solution either. Social media isn’t going anywhere, and eventually, kids will use it. The key is preparation and gradual exposure.

Here are some takeaways from my conversations and personal experiences:

• Delay access until at least 13, when kids can better understand the consequences of online behavior.
• Use parental controls and monitor time spent on apps.
• Talk regularly with kids about what they see and how it makes them feel.
• Introduce safer, age-appropriate platforms first, such as YouTube Kids.

Final Thoughts

Giving a young child unrestricted access to social media is like handing them the keys to a car without teaching them how to drive. They’re not ready, and the consequences can be serious. Through my own observations and my interviews with professionals like Mrs. Paddock and my mom, it’s clear: Kids need time to grow, learn, and build confidence offline before they’re thrown into the digital spotlight. Social media can be a great tool when used responsibly—but responsibility comes with maturity.