Social Media is Shaping Our Children
Social platforms are not designed with children’s well-being in mind. Without guidance, they shape attention, language, empathy, and identity—often quietly and powerfully.
By Abraham Abougouche, Principal at Edmonton Islamic Academy
Social media is shaping our children.
Recent student survey data is sobering:
• Children as young as Grade 1 already own smartphones
• Nearly all Grade 9 students have personal devices
• Teen screen time now exceeds 5 hours a day
• Many students admit they don’t consider others’ feelings when posting
• A significant portion of school discipline issues begin in unmonitored group chats
This is not simply a technology issue.
It’s a developmental, ethical, and values issue.
Social platforms are not designed with children’s well-being in mind.
Without guidance, they shape attention, language, empathy, and identity—often quietly and powerfully.
What can educators and parents do immediately?
✔ Schools must introduce Social Media Awareness campaigns for parents and students. They need help with this!
✔ Delay phone ownership, especially in elementary years
✔ Delay access to social media until high school or later
✔ Keep phones out of bedrooms and off the table at meals
✔ Create a neutral charging station at night
✔ Use parental controls—but prioritize conversation and presence
✔ Stay informed about apps, group chats, and online norms
