I had access to social media for the first time when I was 13, and my older sister had my password. She could check what I was doing and even change it. Looking back, I think that kind of supervision was very important.

Today, younger kids are using social media more than ever. This is affecting how they communicate and also their mental health. Many kids are spending more time online and less time interacting face to face, which can make it harder for them to develop social skills.

Children under 13 are especially at risk. They are more likely to be exposed to dangerous content or negative influences. Studies show that mental health problems in teens have increased over time. For example, research shows that depression in teens has grown significantly in recent years, even before the pandemic. Social media can also affect self-esteem, especially for young girls. Many platforms show content based on what users interact with. If a teen is already feeling insecure, the algorithm may show more content that makes them feel worse, creating a negative cycle. Another problem is addiction. Many teens spend more than three hours a day on social media, which increases the risk of anxiety and depression. Some studies even show that many teens feel dependent on these platforms.

Some people argue that age does not matter, and that maturity is more important. While that can be true in some cases, age still plays a big role. Younger kids are still developing emotionally and may not be ready to handle the pressures of social media. This is why parents need to be involved. They should set limits, monitor activity, and talk openly about the risks. It is important to guide kids instead of leaving them alone with these platforms.

Social media can be harmful at a young age. While it is not completely bad, it requires supervision and responsibility. Parents and teens need to work together to create safe and healthy habits online.