## Meta's Age Limit Reduction on WhatsApp Raises Concerns
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has come under fire for its decision to lower the minimum age for users from 16 to 13. This move has sparked concerns among educators, lawmakers, and activists about the potential risks it poses to children's online safety.
Critics argue that lowering the age limit could expose younger children to cyberbullying, sleep disturbances, and harmful content. They point to the prevalence of cyberbullying within WhatsApp groups, with educators reporting instances of abuse occurring even during late hours, impacting children's sleep patterns and mental health. Additionally, closed messaging groups on WhatsApp can be a breeding ground for the sharing of harmful content, exacerbating issues like misogyny and hate speech among young users.
Campaigners have labelled Meta's decision as "highly irresponsible" and urged the company to reconsider its stance. They argue that WhatsApp, being the second most popular platform among children, should be subject to the same level of scrutiny as other social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Experts and politicians have joined forces to denounce the move, with Smartphone Free Childhood, a prominent advocacy group, leading the charge. They highlight the potential for WhatsApp to act as a gateway to more risky social media apps and its role in exposing children to cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
The government is now contemplating imposing restrictions on the purchase of smartphones by those under 16, reflecting the increasing concern over children's online safety.
Meta defends its decision by citing global standards, but critics argue that the move sends the wrong message about online safety to parents and educators. With calls for stricter regulations on social media use by minors gaining momentum, the debate over children's digital wellbeing continues to intensify.
In a separate development, Meta has announced plans to introduce a nudity filter on Instagram to combat the rising threat of "sextortion," aiming to protect users from exploitation and blackmail.