IN an era where the digital world shapes the real lives of our children, parents and countries face unprecedented challenges. I recently delved into these issues in a powerful conversation with Frances Haugen, a staunch advocate for digital safety laws for teenagers. Our discussion sheds light on the urgent need for proactive measures to protect young minds from the effects of social media algorithms and the relentless push of digital content.
The Plight of Parents in the Digital Battlefield Parents today find themselves in a daunting battle against an invisible enemy. Algorithms are designed by legions of engineers often called "growth hackers" or "growth specialists" to capture and retain the attention of users—in essence, to make products as addictive as possible. After all, every extra minute you're online makes them money because many of these companies are advertising supported.
Trying to get a phone or tablet away from your kids can seem like an uphill battle, however. Many parents think their child has gone to bed when they're actually scrolling on their phone under the covers. Haugen suggests parents enforce phone-free bedrooms for their kids by charging their phones in the your room so you are sure they aren't sneaking access at night. When they go to bed, they have to hand you their phone.
This ensures that your children get the sleep vital for their development and mental health. "Sleep is the single biggest gift you can give them for the rest of their lives," she says. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia; increases the chance of accidents such as car accidents, falls, and mishaps; negatively impacts school performance; and stunts mental and physical growth.
Haugen empathises with parents, urging them not to feel isolated in their struggle. The challenge is global, fueled by the advertising-driven revenue models of tech companies that prioritise engagement over the well-being of users. While you can use practical tips such as nighttime phone check-ins, the best way to handle the issue is at a community level by fostering community agreements to delay the introduction of social media until children are better equipped to navigate its complexities.
For example, there is a campaign in the U.S. called "Wait for 8th" that encourages parents to wait until eighth grade before letting their children on social media. By having a community agreement, parents can feel supported in their decision.
Legislative Action: A Beacon of Hope
The second front in this battle is legislative action. The European Union is starting to create and implement digital laws and regulations. What can the government and regulators in South-East Asia, in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, do to help in this digital battle?Haugen suggests the first step is for South-East Asian countries to pass "right-to-know laws." These laws would tell governments and users which safety systems are being translated into our language, which things the algorithms are being biased toward—or filtering out—and ensure these systems are transparent and adapted to local languages and contexts. However, it's going to be hard for a single country to approach the creation of tech accountability laws by themselves. Instead, we should combine forces with other countries to share experts, knowledge, and research, utilising groups such as ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
This type of collaboration could address the spread of misinformation and the unchecked influence of popular online voices. By pooling resources and expertise, smaller nations can exert significant influence on global tech giants, safeguarding their populations from digital harms.
A Unified Call to Action
(2024 International Women's Day,) I hope this article serves as a clarion call to Southeast Asian parents and policymakers alike. It's imperative that we take concerted action to protect the mental health and safety of our children in the digital age. For parents, the message is one of empowerment through community solidarity and practical measures to regulate technology use at home. For nations, it is a call to harness collective power in enacting laws that demand transparency and accountability from tech companies.
As we reflect on the role of women in nurturing and protecting future generations, let us also recognize the critical need for structural changes in our digital ecosystems. It is through such changes that we can hope to create a safer, more nurturing digital environment for our children. On this year's International Women's Day, let's commit to being part of the solution, advocating for policies and practices that prioritise the well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens in the digital age.
Shireen Muhiudeen is a responsible fund manager focusing on ESG sustainability. She's also the author of We Are All Stakeholders, which was recently profiled by Entrepreneur Magazine as "a must read for entrepreneurs looking to break the mould."