We thought he was safe in his bedroom

But he was in his room, weren’t he?

We thought he was safe, didn’t we?

Yeah.

Didn’t we think he was safe?

You know, what harm can he do in there?

I thought we were doing the right thing.

As a parent of a 9-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, I often find myself grappling with these questions. The above conversation could easily resonate with me, reflecting the fears and uncertainties that come with raising children in a digital age. If you haven’t watched the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’, I highly recommend it. This four-part series offers a stark insight into the broken education system and the struggles of overworked parents trying to balance work and family life in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming.

While I consider myself tech-savvy, the reality of the digital landscape is both fascinating and frightening. The real culprits—the dangerous social apps like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and others—seem to operate with little accountability. The impact these platforms have on young minds is profound. Algorithms designed to engage users often prey on the vulnerabilities of youth, leading to issues such as cyberbullying and mental health problems.

Now, we are entering a new territory with the rise of artificial intelligence. AI technologies are increasingly integrated into social media platforms and personal devices. While I see the potential for AI to enhance learning and provide support, I also recognise the significant risks it poses. AI algorithms can create highly personalised content that keeps users engaged for longer periods, often at the expense of mental well-being. The more time young people spend online, the more susceptible they become to harmful influences and misinformation.

Moreover, the growing comfort between tech giants and governments poses a conflict of interest that cannot be ignored. The recent inauguration of the President of the United States (POTUS) highlighted how deeply intertwined these relationships have become, raising concerns about accountability and regulation. As tech companies gain more influence, they must prioritise safety as a standard, building from the bottom up rather than relying on reactive measures after harm has occurred.

Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression among adolescents. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry found that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at a higher risk of mental health issues. Furthermore, the anonymity and distance provided by these platforms can embolden harmful behaviours, making it easier for young people to engage in risky activities without considering the consequences.

As AI continues to evolve, we must be vigilant about its implications for our youth. The potential for AI to manipulate emotions and behaviours raises urgent questions about ethics and responsibility. We must address the role of social media and AI in shaping the behaviours and mental health of our children. Parents, educators, and policymakers need to come together to create a safer online environment. This includes implementing stricter regulations on social media platforms, providing education on digital literacy, and fostering open conversations about the potential dangers of these technologies. Only then can we hope to protect our children from the hidden dangers lurking behind the screens.

It’s a wake-up call. The challenges we face as parents are becoming more complex, and we must act decisively to safeguard the well-being of future generations.

References Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). “Associations Between Screen Time and Mental Health in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study.” JAMA Psychiatry, 75(10), 1031-1038. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.2160.