Canadian School Boards Sue Social Media Giants Over Effects On Students; Should India Follow In The Footsteps Considering The Many ‘Questionable Reels’ Being Uploaded By Young Adults In India?

Four major educational boards in Canada have initiated legal action against some of the globe’s largest social media corporations, claiming that these platforms have disrupted students’ education and are highly addictive for youngsters.

Not far behind and to illustrate the dilemma posed by social media,
the girls who came to the limelight after their obscene Instagram Reels on a moving scooter and inside the Delhi Metro went viral on social media during Holi were arrested by the Noida Police on Thursday.

The girls were facing criticism for spreading obscenity on the streets of Noida and in the Delhi Metro under the guise of Holi.

The girls also issued an apology for their obscene stunt and said that they would never repeat the same mistake again, clarifying that they were not performing a stunt but were making Instagram Reels.

Thus, the lure of social media and the responsibility that comes with it cannot be overstated.

Coming back to Canada, the boards, aiming for approximately $2.9 billion (four billion Canadian dollars) in compensation, argue that social media platforms have been “recklessly designed for compulsive usage” and have fundamentally altered the cognitive and behavioral patterns of children, as well as their learning processes.

They highlighted that students are facing significant challenges in attention, learning, and mental health due to the excessive and uncontrollable use of social media platforms.

Although filed independently, the legal complaints all target Meta Platforms Inc, the parent entity of Facebook and Instagram; Snap Inc, the operator of Snapchat; and ByteDance Ltd, the parent company of TikTok.

Colleen Russell-Rawlins, the Director of Education at the Toronto District School Board, emphasized the undeniable impact of social media on today’s youth within the educational environment.

She cited pervasive issues such as distraction, social withdrawal, social media addiction, cyberbullying, heightened aggression, and mental health struggles, asserting the necessity of safeguarding the well-being of young individuals.

Three additional educational boards participating in the litigation include the Peel District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

Numerous studies have indicated the addictive nature of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, linking prolonged usage to increased levels of anxiety and depression.

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted the mounting evidence associating social media use with adverse effects on the mental health of young people.

Murthy stressed that children are exposed to violent and explicit content, cyberbullying, and harassment on these platforms, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and isolate them from their social circles.

Murthy highlighted that children are frequently exposed to violent, sexual, and harassing content on social media platforms. Moreover, their engagement with these platforms often results in sleep deprivation and isolation from their social circles, including friends and family.

According to a statement by the surgeon general last year, as many as 95 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 reported using social media, with a significant portion indicating near-constant usage.

Expressing grave concern, Murthy emphasized that the nation is grappling with a crisis in youth mental health, and he underscored the urgent need to address the role of social media as a key driver of this crisis.

Last year, thirty-three US states filed lawsuits against Meta, alleging that its products contribute to mental health issues among young children and teenagers.

Snap Inc, the company behind Snapchat, responded to Canadian media inquiries by asserting that Snapchat was deliberately designed to diverge from conventional social media platforms.

The platform’s immediate focus on the camera rather than a content feed and its absence of traditional public likes and comments were cited as differentiating features aimed at fostering more positive interactions among close friends.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed disagreement with the school boards’ legal action during a news conference on Thursday.

Ford urged a return to focusing on fundamental educational values such as mathematics, reading, and writing, emphasizing the need to prioritize resources for the benefit of children rather than engaging in what he deemed extraneous legal battles.

Social Media, India
The dilemma surrounding the impact of social media on youth mental health is complex.

From a broader perspective, India, like many other countries, faces similar challenges regarding the influence of social media on its youth population.

With a significant portion of Indian adolescents engaging with social media platforms, concerns about the potential negative effects on mental health and well-being are certainly relevant and so is the constant need to upload “reels”.

Taking a page from Canada’s book could involve initiating similar legal actions to hold social media companies accountable for their platforms’ impact on youth mental health.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that every country has its unique social, cultural, and legal landscape. Therefore, India would need to adapt any approach to suit its specific context and challenges.

In addition to legal measures, India could also explore comprehensive strategies involving education, regulation, and support systems to promote healthier digital habits among its youth.

This might include initiatives to raise awareness about the risks of excessive social media use, guidelines for responsible online behavior, and support services for individuals struggling with mental health issues aggravated by social media.

Social Media And Addiction
The proliferation of social media platforms has undeniably transformed the way children and young adults interact, communicate, and perceive the world around them.

However, along with the benefits of connectivity and information sharing, social media also poses several significant risks and negative effects on this demographic.

Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The constant comparison with others’ curated online lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness among young users.

Social media provides a platform for cyberbullying, wherein individuals are subjected to harassment, ridicule, and humiliation by peers.

Cyberbullying can have deep psychological effects on children and young adults, leading to emotional distress, social isolation, and even suicidal ideation.

Further, the addictive nature of social media platforms, characterized by endless scrolling and notifications, can impair concentration, productivity, and academic performance.

Young users may find themselves spending excessive amounts of time on social media, making reels, neglecting real-life interactions, hobbies, and responsibilities.

Moreover, social media platforms often promote unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors such as extreme dieting and cosmetic procedures among young users.

The constant exposure to edited and filtered images can distort perceptions of beauty and self-image.

Exposure to violent, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate content on social media can desensitize children and young adults, normalizing harmful behaviors and attitudes.

This desensitization may contribute to a culture of aggression, intolerance, and disrespect.

Social media often fosters a culture of comparison, wherein individuals constantly measure their achievements, experiences, and possessions against those of others. This phenomenon, known as “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO), can lead to feelings of envy, insecurity, and dissatisfaction with one’s own life.

The Last Bit, while social media offers numerous benefits and opportunities for children and young adults, it is essential to recognize and address the potential negative effects it can have on their well-being and development.

Parents, educators, policymakers, and social media companies must work collaboratively to mitigate these risks and promote a safer, healthier online environment for the younger generation.

It is essential to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of social media while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls, ensuring that young users can steer through the digital world safely and responsibly.