Blocking Social Media but Embracing AI: Are We Failing Teens?

Rapid Summary

• Governments are increasingly considering bans on social media use for children, citing concerns about its negative impact.
• ThereS a misconception that millennial parents, who grew up with platforms like MySpace and early internet tools, cannot guide their children in the same digital space.
• Existing tools to limit children’s internet access,such as parental controls on routers and app settings,are underused despite their accessibility.
• Politicians focus on restricting social media while welcoming AI technologies without fully acknowledging the challenges AI presents for young people, particularly in education (e.g., ChatGPT-proof homework).
• the article advocates open conversations about emerging technologies like AI and social media across families and society rather than outright bans.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The debate highlighted in this article has broader relevance for india’s own growing dependence on technology. With a notable population of tech-savvy millennials now raising Gen Z kids in India, similar cultural assumptions about parenting and technology may lead to policy inefficiencies here as well. Rather than imposing blanket restrictions or bans on new tech trends-weather it be social media or emerging generative AI-India could benefit from fostering intergenerational dialogues to educate both parents and teens effectively.

From an educational standpoint, India’s rapidly evolving school curriculum may need further alignment with practical implications of AI tools like ChatGPT rather than banning them outright-a move that ensures students build skills around responsible usage while preparing them for modern workplace demands. A balanced approach involving both regulation and empowerment could mitigate risks while leveraging technological advancements for societal growth.