I'm against banning social media for under 16's. Just outright banning doesn't make something unavailable - just unregulated and not monitored. Alcohol and vapes are still common among under 16's - especial those that are vulnerable.
I am for under 16's not being allowed on corporate socials though - as they are toxic places which do provably screw with brain development in youth - because of that algorithmic nature.
I am considering pitching an idea to a local established non-profit that I sometimes work with, who run a number of local youth clubs across the region.
It is an idea of setting up a fediverse instance for 11-15 year olds. An account can only be made in person alongside being a member of a youth club -with parent / guardian consent.
It will not be federated to the general social web, and begin as a self-contained bubble - but with the idea of other regions creating the same thing and federating together.
It would be moderated by the same volunteers / employees that run the youth clubs and social services - who are fully vetted, and follow the protocols - which already also includes moderating each other.
Perhaps even somehow make it so the kids can't post on it during school hours, and after, perhaps, 10pm?
There would of course be a set of standards expectations, or community codes of conduct, like here in the Fedi. Perhaps also running regular fun things too, that get kids thinking creatively (like what happens at the clubs anyway).
There are of course many many issues with this idea, and I can't see it actually happening just like that.
Not only is there unlikely the right fedi project to accommodate needs, but things like the online safety act potentially blocking the ability to create safe community based social networks for youth. And I'm sure there are many other issues as to why this idea might not work either. Like, what happens when someone turns 16? Are they just kicked off?
However, I do know that corporate socials are bad - but not providing good safe alternatives when attempting to protect children, actually makes them more vulnerable and unsafe. We need a way to embrace them, not outcast them.
#socialban #socialmedia #fediverse #activitypub #youthwork #onlinesafety
