Account for teenagers, resets and parental controls: ”
Prisma, the reason for things
“He faces the solutions adopted to reduce the risks of digital violence with Alessio Cimmino of Meta.
It often happens in the indifference of many, a comment under a photo, a chat that excludes, a meme that becomes viral. Cyberbullying does not scream but affects: according to UNICEF data, at least 1 guy out of 3 In the world he has undergone acts of digital violence. In Italy, Istat estimates that more than 22% of teenagers between 11 and 17 years old has lived online bullying. And almost always, without telling anyone.
On the day of Stop cyberbullying day, Prism – why things, The daily podcast of Evidence Network, dedicates a special episode to a still urgent question: “Cyberbulli, account for teenagers and reset button: are there really effective tools to combat social violence?. A question that embraces the way in which social networks are experienced and used above all by the youngest and the awareness of their actions also in the digital space.
Defense tools. In recent years, some platforms have introduced specific tools with a dual objective: Actively prevent violent dynamics online and at the same time Improve the quality of social experienceespecially for the youngest.
It is not just about reacting to the episodes of cyberbullying but of intervene in advanceworking on what can generate discomfort, pressure or exposure to inadequate content.
Prisma spoke of some of these tools with Alessio Cimmino, Head of Communication of Meta Italia and Greece: «Among the most visible functions introduced on Instagram there is the one that concerns the likes, often a meter of comparison and therefore of possible anxieties and inconveniences in comparison with others: the possibility of hide the specific number Under the posts it is designed precisely to reduce the fear of the judgment. Giving the option not to see them is a way to lighten social pressure ».
But prevention also passes through CONTENT CONTEMENT. Instagram introduced options such as “I don’t care”, which allow you to change the signals with which the algorithm offers suggested content. «It is a way to interrupt potentially disturbing flows e re -educate the system to reflect the real needs of the user “explains Cimmino again.
«Instagram cannot know when a content, even initially interesting, becomes superfluous or annoying. We can tell them in order to instruct the system on our needs. It’s like making a small reset in our digital world ».
Teen accounts. One of the most structured projects for the protection of the youngest from online risks is that of Teen accountdesigned for users between 13 and 17 years old.
Activates from 2024, these are profiles equipped with more restrictive basic settings: accounts are deprived of default, the sensitive contents are filtered, and after 60 minutes of use the application invites you to take a break.
The goal is twofold: on the one hand, reduce exposure to potentially harmful content on the other favor a healthier management of time and attention.
Among the novelties too the Functions designed for parents And the possibility of connecting their account to that of the children: in this way they will be able to access information such as the time spent online, the most frequent interactions or the type of content displayed. «It is not a question of control but dialogue.
Especially in the 13-16-year band Some settings can only be changed with the intervention of the parent. From time of use to online knowledge, it is a way to facilitate more aware and intelligent conversations in the family on the use of the instrument and on the internal rules to be established “, continues Cimmino.
“A powerful machine that must be able to drive.” Technological tools can help but alone are not enough. Each filter, each option, each reminder makes sense only if inserted in an educational context. And that context is often the home. “For this reason today the other real challenge is to train families: put them in a position to know the tools, understand the risks, and above all accompany their children in the construction of their online identity », explains Meta.
“Help parents do what they know better: to be a guide”, continues Cimmino, “to make presence also in the digital life of their young people. Socials remain a powerful machine with infinite possibilities of dialogue and sharingit remains fundamental to know and learn the right tools to guide it conscientiously. A teamwork today increasingly necessary ».
