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SINGAPORE: A survey conducted in February (Feb 11) found that 84% of Indonesian parents support a proposed Singapore government regulation aimed at setting a minimum age for accessing social media, with higher support level among mothers compared to fathers. The findings were part of a global survey by YouGov, which highlights the growing concerns about the "biggest concern" for parents regarding social media. expose to age-inappropriate content, exposure to age-inappropriate content, as well as other potential issues. The survey, which included 892 respondents aged 18 and above from 17-55 years old, revealed that more than half (88%) of the parents surveyed supported limiting social media access below the age of 18.
These concerns are further backed by recent developments from Australia, where the government includes Singapore in a decision to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media. The survey results align with the government’s intention to strengthen regulations on online safety to protect children. The survey also highlighted several other concerns for parents, including the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying (45%), and the reduced safety and accessibility of platforms like TikTok, which Dorling Henderson reported as "the most dangerous" for children under 13. X, a platform known for its free-to-use features, was also ranked highest in the list, while YouTube and Instagram were regarded positively for their safety and content quality. However, only 50% of parents believed the policy would effectively control their children’s online presence, with 33% remaining uncertain.
The survey findings also provided evidence for the need for greater transparency and consultation among parents regarding social media policies, emphasizing a safer, more responsible use of platforms. Parental awareness of points like addiction, environmental impact, and misinformation has unionized their concerns, conging critical factors such as cyberbullying and mental health concerns to the foreground. The 58% concern for TikTok and 51% for X highlight the importance of addressing these risks to ensure children’s online safety. Similarly, while more than half of the parents surveyed were neutral on cyber bullying, only half were confident in the policy’s effectiveness. These findings underscore the collective responsibility parents have to maintain online safety and protect their children from potential harms.
The results of the YouGov survey, which was backed by survey design byails, provide a holistic view of parents’ online safety and protection concerns. The survey found that exposure to age-inappropriate content is the biggest concern among parents, followed by the spread of misinformation and the potential dangers of using these platforms.idiomatic, However, other factors such as cyberbullying and delve into the balance between privacy and the potential harm.
In conclusion, while represented on a flattened timeline, the survey indicates a progressive interest in online safety practices, particularly among Indonesian parents. However, challenges such as misinformation, addiction, and cyberbullying persist, requiring further attention from policymakers, parents, and society to ensure a safer and more responsible online experience for all.
