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Dubai: Instagram’s recent introduction of new tools for parents to control their young children’s use of the social media platform in the Middle East has sparked debate over the need for greater oversight of behavior by adults. youth responsibility. and their protection of privacy.
As teenagers turn into adults, many people understandably don’t want to keep their parents out of their circle of Insta friends, as if that’s the norm. So how do they view the new tools that allow their parents, etc., to check their accounts by searching for “invites”, see how much time they spend on Instagram every day, even setting daily limits, setting breaks and keeping track of who’s who. they are following who is following. And what do parents say?
But first, why did Instagram launch the tools in the first place?
Killing the rest
Nadia Diab Caceres, Head of Public Policy Instagram MENA, told Gulf News, “New surveillance tools have been developed over time to communicate with experts, parents and young people to make sure that it is good We are committed to following up with parents and working to ensure that young people’s independence and privacy are maintained.
Nadia Diab Caceres
“We’ve been building these devices since they first launched in the US in March and will continue to add new features.”
What does the balance look like?
“Yes, let me say this; if there is something where an adult can access a youth’s activities (online or offline), it can be considered a violation of privacy,” says Varuna Mehta Jagwani, Founder and Consultant at Light Digital, a digital marketing company in Dubai. “However, we cannot deny that young people are becoming more and more involved in content that is inappropriate or too graphic for their age. With a new tool introduced by Instagram, parents can monitor their teen’s screen time on the app, and that’s just the beginning. Most importantly, it gives parents and children a chance to join hands in fighting online issues.
Varuna Mehta Jagwani
For example, he said if a teenager posts a message or account, parents can get more information about the incident to take action.
For example, he said if a teenager posts a message or account, parents can get more information about the incident to take action. “But let’s not forget that Meta didn’t shy away from taking young ideas on this matter; The new device does not cancel anything on their account. The application helps parents monitor their online activity, so it’s effective and young people are still in control.
Youth perspective
For young people like Kyla Munro, 17, a Year 13 student at a British grammar school in Dubai, it’s about self-control.
Kyla Munro
“Parents should not be allowed to control their child’s life by phone. I’d like to believe that we, as a society, have been taught to self-regulate, and that we can use programming to know when to turn off the phone when we think we should stop scrolling, instead of monitoring and giving breaks scheduled by something or someone other than the user himself,” he said.
Thomas, a 15-year-old in an Indian curriculum school in Oud Metha, agrees. “I’m big on telling right from wrong, I don’t know why parents should be afraid and check our online activities. Even though I’m working on projects late into the night sometimes, my dad makes it a point to come over and see if I’m thinking about something and I don’t get on social media.
Not all teenagers are like this. At another British curriculum school in Motor City, Diaco Taaeb, a Year 8 student, said, “The new protection system will be useful for young people who need protection from adults because of the progress of technology in our society.I think Instagram does a great job of balancing the positives that the internet can bring, as well as the negatives.
New Insta monitoring tools for parents
Photo: Vijith Pullikal/Gulf News
Syeda Eaman Hussein, a Year 11 student from the same school, also said: “With the advancement of technology, social media has become very popular, especially among young people.
The issue of trust and confidentiality
The issue of trust and privacy is at the heart of the debate. Tarja Yilmaz, the mother of a 15-year-old girl in Dubai, says, “Giving young people independence is part of letting them grow their wings and learn independence. A parent knows his child very well in most cases. A high school senior must know right from wrong. We educate you on privacy issues and set the rules on social media. At the end of the day, social media is part and parcel of how we all connect these days and stay connected.
Tarja Yilmaz
“My child is legally considered an adult at 18, and he can vote in three years in our country Finland, so I think it’s time to give him peace. Providing the opportunity to connect is part of that.”
Valid age limit
Instagram can be used officially by those aged 13 and up, and many people feel that there is a real need for mature discussion between parents and children about what to do and where to post. a line.
According to Liesell Vaz, chairperson of the GEMS FirstPoint School Board of Trustees, “It is important to protect and educate our young children about social media. Instagram’s role is a great way for parents to better understand our children’s online activities so that we can advise and protect them from online dangers. I really hope other popular social media platforms follow this lead.
Liesel Vaz
As a parent, I strongly encourage the use of monitoring and participation features on social media apps used by children.
Reem Anthoun, another parent in Dubai, says her daughters, one 17 years old, can balance things out. “They know when to say ‘enough’ to them on different topics. I don’t know if it has to do with the nature of the parents or their personalities, but I believe these issues start in the home as a group.
Reem Anthoun
“I don’t think social media will take this into their own hands but individuals, with the support of families and parents, have to make their own choices and decisions about good and bad.”
Open the dialogs
Meanwhile, schools are using the new features of Instagram as a benchmark.
David Wade, Principal/Head of GEMS FirstPoint School in The Villa, a General Manager (Child Abuse and Internet Protection) in England, said, “As educators, we can talk about the new Instagram. The trends our school curriculum and core workshops focus on these issues.
David Wade
“We encourage parents to ‘parent’ children online to the standards used in the world.
Likewise, Daniella Aschettino, Associate Head Coach, GEMS Metropole– Motor City, said, “The new devices that have been introduced are necessary and long overdue. Limiting screen-time is important for young people, especially when there is so much rely on tools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Daniella Aschettino
“Young people are very vulnerable in the world of social-media; it is evident that some are addicted to Instagram, and many are affected by its content and misuse.
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