There has been a lot of negative discussion around social media, in particular following the documentary, The Social Dilemma. A survey by Plan International, based on conversations with over 14,000 girls across the world, revealed that 58% of them had been harassed, abused or discriminated online. Calls are now being made (yet again) for action from social media companies, especially Facebook, where 39% say they have suffered harassment, but also on Instagram (23%), WhatsApp (14%), Snapchat (10%), Twitter (9%) and TikTok (6%). As Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, CEO of Plan International said, girls are “being left to deal with online violence on their own, with profound consequences for their confidence and wellbeing. With COVID-19 driving more of our lives online and with internet access around the world improving, it is time for digital platforms to step up and protect their users”. Parents have a role here managing a child’s access to social media platforms, as the harm done can leave a lasting effect. The Blabloo and Geniora smartphones allow parents to limit screen time, and also use a black and white list for websites. This involvement can avoid a lot of these problems and only allow a child when they are ready and supervised.
