When Australia announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, it reignited a familiar question for many Filipino parents. When is a child actually ready for social media?
Screens are already part of daily life, but for developmental pediatrician Dr. Jack Alexander Herrin, readiness is not about a number. It is about responsibility.
“Readiness should be more important than an arbitrary age,” he says. “A child is ready when rules are clear, and they have shown they can understand and follow them.”
The age cut-off
Sixteen falls within middle adolescence, a stage when many teens are expected to have better judgment and impulse control. Dr. Herrin explains that for younger children, developmental milestones are often set at an age when around 75 percent have achieved a certain skill. For older children, experts instead look for a point when most can reasonably be expected to make responsible choices.
Still, he cautions that age alone is not a guarantee. Even older adolescents may struggle to consistently manage online spaces.
Why social media is different
Parents often ask why social media is treated differently from television or online games. For Dr. Herrin, the concern lies in how content is delivered.
“You cannot always control what you read or watch,” he says. “It only takes one wrong click for the algorithm to keep feeding you similar content.”
Unlike traditional media, social media platforms are algorithm-driven and do not verify who is using the device. “Once the algorithm sets in, a younger child may not be aware of the effects of what they are watching,” he explains, noting that older adolescents are more likely to separate fact from fiction.
He also warns that repeated exposure can shape beliefs. “The more the algorithm refines your choices, the more you are given a biased feed,” he says. Over time, this can normalize certain behaviors or viewpoints, especially for children who are still forming values
Side effects
Beyond content, screen use also affects physical and emotional health. “Any screen use, whether for studying or for fun, will strain your eyes if there is too much of it,” Dr. Herrin explains. Screen light can suppress melatonin, disrupt sleep, and affect focus and mood the following day.
“Your physical, mental, and emotional health are all interconnected,” he adds.
Signs of readiness
Rather than focusing solely on age, Dr. Herrin encourages parents to observe behavior at home. “If your child cannot follow rules consistently, they are not ready,” he says.
Supervision remains key. “If there are no filters and no way to monitor, do not give them the freedom yet,” he adds. Privileges should be earned gradually, with trust increasing only when responsibility is shown.
A privilege, not a right
Dr. Herrin stresses the importance of reframing access to screens. “Owning a phone or creating a social media account is a privilege, not a right. It comes with responsibility,” he says. “Parents set boundaries for driving, dating, curfews—so why not for screens?”
As children grow older, rules should evolve. “Around 11 or 12, it shifts to contract setting,” he explains. These agreements can cover allowed apps, screen schedules, and clear consequences when boundaries are crossed.
In the end, Australia’s policy may influence global discussions, but Dr. Herrin believes the most important decisions still happen at home. “Readiness comes from mutual respect and the child’s capacity to follow what was agreed upon.”
No setting or age limit can replace thoughtful parenting. Knowing when a child is truly ready matters more than the number on their birthday.
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