Report: Social Media Poses Risks for Children's Mental, Physical Health in Morocco

Morocco World

19-11-2024

Rabat - The Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) recently issued a self-initiated report emphasizing the urgent need to create a safe and inclusive digital environment for children.
This call comes amid growing concerns over children's excessive use of social media, both in Morocco and globally. CESE noted that while digital platforms offer various benefits, they also pose serious risks to the mental and physical well-being of young users.
The opinion report, adopted during the CESE's general assembly on March 28, outlines recommendations to harness the positive aspects of digital technology while protecting children from its potential dangers. It spoke of the importance of raising awareness, implementing legal protections, and fostering responsible digital habits among children.
CESE argued that digital technologies, when used appropriately, can significantly contribute to children's personal growth by enhancing creativity, knowledge, and social interaction. Social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram connect billions of users worldwide. In Morocco, 23 million people use these platforms, representing 66% of the population, including children aged 5 to 18.
However, the report warned that 'excessive and inappropriate use of digital technology can have serious and confirmed consequences on children's mental and physical health,' citing studies that show that unregulated use of social media can lead to psychological and behavioral issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and even self-harm. Other problems include sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, and increased vulnerability to cyberbullying and harmful content, the report added.
It noted that despite Morocco's commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its existing legal framework for child protection, the mechanisms in place are 'inadequate' to address the challenges posed by the digital world. The absence of robust legal regulations for minors' use of social media leaves gaps in ensuring sustainable protection for children in digital spaces.
The report added that current initiatives are 'fragmented, often lacking a unified, strategic approach.' It warned that limited awareness among parents about digital risks and their lack of knowledge regarding parental control tools exacerbate the problem.
The CESE report proposed several measures to protect children online, including updating national laws to define and address online crimes more effectively. It also recommends clarifying the responsibilities of technology companies and setting rules for children's use of social media.
In addition, it called for introducing a minimum age for accessing social media, with platforms required to deny registration to minors without parental consent.
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CESE also suggested protocols for promptly reporting and handling harmful content, such as cyberbullying or violent materials, as well as teaching digital literacy from an early age, with focus on critical thinking and media verification skills. It also emphasized raising awareness among parents and caregivers through campaigns on social media risks and the importance of parental controls.
AI tools could also be used to proactively identify inappropriate content, analyze risky behavior, and tailor parental controls for more effective protection, the report added.
CESE added that a thematic report on child protection in the digital space should be prepared annually and presented to Parliament to ensure accountability and progress.
The report concluded by stressing the importance of a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, including government authorities, technology companies, parents, and civil society, to safeguard children in the digital world.