Education

Youth Social Media: SogoStudy

When’s the right time for kids to have their own cell phones? When should they be allowed to open their own social media accounts? Should kids be allowed to carry cell phones in school? How can parents, teachers, and other grown-ups ensure that young users have the best possible experience with all things tech? While the question of how best to both protect kids and nurture their growth and development is eternal, today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape presents new challenges for guardians and for businesses. As government officials weigh in, too, it’s important to examine both facts and perceptions as we work toward policies and guidelines that will meet everyone’s needs. Our latest original research project tackles these questions. “Kids these days” Do kids under the age of 13 really use social media? Before you shake your head and mumble “kids these days”, consider the behavior of “adults these days” as well. Cell phones are ubiquitous and continual sources of both engagement and distraction for many of us. The last time you were in a long line or a waiting room, how long was it before you took out your phone to check for messages or scroll through feeds? If you have or know young kids, you’re likely aware of how often kids grab hold of these sources of entertainment, too. Whether it’s seeing themselves in photos, playing games, or watching videos, very young children are learning about the engaging wonder of cell phones and tablets. Our study showed that […]