WRITING THE SOCIAL COGNITION SCRIPT FOR YOUNG MINDS

Children learn by observing, not just listening. Research from Harvard University’s Centre on the Developing Child confirms that young minds absorb knowledge and values by watching adults’ behaviour, not just their words. In fact, 85% of brain development occurs by age 5, with observation playing a critical role (UNESCO). This process is rooted in social cognition, as children observe and interpret the behaviors, emotions, and interactions of others to make sense of the world.

The implications are profound. When children observe positive behaviors, they learn to value those traits themselves. Conversely, they may adopt harmful behaviors if they witness them. Elders must recognize their influence and strive to model good behaviors, including healthy social cognitive abilities like empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication. Observation also shapes attitudes and beliefs, so children exposed to diversity, inclusivity, and social justice are more likely to develop into open-minded, compassionate individuals.

By recognizing the power of observation and its impact on social cognition, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters healthy development, positive values, and a bright future for the next generation. Let’s take responsibility for shaping young minds and building a better world.

The Impact of Social Media and Online Platforms: A Toxic Influence

Social media and online platforms have become a pervasive force in children’s lives, with devastating consequences for their social cognition and overall well-being. Children spend an average of 4-6 hours daily on screens, exposed to manipulated content, cyberbullying, and influencer culture that glorifies narcissism and materialism (Common Sense Media, 2020). A staggering 70% of children aged 8-12 use social media, despite age restrictions, and are vulnerable to online predators, grooming, and exploitation (Pew Research Centre, 2019).

This unchecked exposure can lead to:

Distorted self-perception and decreased self-esteem.
Impaired empathy and social skills.
Increased aggression and decreased emotional intelligence.
Decreased attention span and critical thinking abilities.
Increased susceptibility to online predators and exploitation

Moreover, social media platforms’ algorithms prioritize content that generates high engagement, often promoting harmful or inappropriate behaviors, such as dangerous challenges and suicide glorification (Wall Street Journal, 2020). This can lead to a perpetuation of harmful norms and behaviors, further exacerbating the negative impact on children’s social cognition and well-being.

YouTube and TikTok, in particular, have become breeding grounds for harmful content and behaviors. A staggering 81% of children aged 11-16 use YouTube, with 55% accessing it daily, exposing them to violent, explicit, and harmful content (Ofcom, 2020). TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content that generates high engagement, often promoting harmful or inappropriate behaviour, such as dangerous challenges and suicide glorification (Wall Street Journal, 2020). Recent studies link YouTube and TikTok use to decreased attention span, increased narcissism, and poor social skills in children, perpetuating a culture of self-absorption and entitlement (University of California, Irvine, 2019; University of Michigan, 2020).

We must demand stricter regulations, better content moderation, and more robust education programs to equip children with the skills to navigate the online world safely and develop healthy social cognitive abilities. This includes teaching children critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and empathy, as well as encouraging responsible social media use and online behaviour. The future of our children depends on it.

Remember, “Children belong in schools or playgrounds, not in front of TV or mobile phones!”

Impact of People in Children's Life: Surrounded by Influence

Children are surrounded by influences that shape their thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Family members, teachers, peers, and even strangers can have a profound impact on their development. Positive influences can foster a sense of security, self-worth, and belonging, while negative influences can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and behavioural problems.

Healthy social cognitive abilities are critical for children's social and emotional development. These abilities enable children to understand and recognize emotions, develop empathy and compassion, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts. The people in children's lives play a significant role in shaping these abilities, either by modelling healthy relationships and communication or by reinforcing harmful behaviors and attitudes.

By recognizing the impact of these influences, we can take steps to create a supportive environment that promotes healthy social cognitive abilities in children. This includes:

Providing positive role models and mentors.
Teaching emotional intelligence and empathy.
Encouraging active listening and problem-solving.
Providing opportunities for socialization and play.
Practicing positive reinforcement and praise.
Teaching self-regulation skills and self-awareness.
Encouraging perspective-taking and understanding of others' views

By surrounding children with positive influences and teaching healthy social cognitive abilities, we can help them develop into socially competent, emotionally intelligent, and compassionate individuals.

"Little eyes are watching, let's make sure we're showing them a view worth seeing"

Diminishing Social Cognitive Abilities: Real Life Examples

Here are some real-life examples of how social cognitive abilities may be diminishing due to social media and other factors:

Decreased empathy: A teenager witnesses a friend being bullied online but doesn't intervene or report it, desensitized by frequent exposure to cyberbullying.
Impaired communication skills: A college student relies heavily on emoji’s and abbreviations in text messages, struggling to articulate thoughts and feelings in face-to-face conversations.
Reduced self-awareness: A young adult spends hours editing selfies and comparing appearances on social media, developing a distorted self-perception and low self-esteem.
Decreased attention span: A child constantly switches between apps and videos, struggling to focus on a single task or activity for an extended period.
Increased aggression: A gamer regularly engages in online battles and trash talks opponents, gradually becoming more aggressive and confrontational in real-life interactions.
Decreased problem-solving skills: A student relies on Google for instant answers, neglecting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Impaired relationship skills: A young professional prioritizes online connections over in-person relationships, struggling to form and maintain meaningful friendships.
Decreased emotional intelligence: A teenager struggles to recognize and manage emotions, acting impulsively and inappropriately in response to stressful situations.

These examples illustrate how excessive social media use and other factors can contribute to diminished social cognitive abilities, emphasizing the need for balanced and responsible technology use.

Expert Insight: Shaping Young Minds

Here are some expert opinions that address both the influence of social media and real-life interactions on children’s social cognitive abilities:

Dr. Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Social Psychology at the London School of Economics and Political Science: “Children’s social cognitive development is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including their interactions with peers, family members, and the digital environment. While social media can provide valuable opportunities for socialization, it’s essential to recognize the importance of real-life relationships and positive role models in fostering empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.” (https://www.lse.ac.uk/media-and-communications/research/research-projects/Children's-Rights-in-the-Digital-Age)
Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, President of the Children and Screens Institute of Digital Media and Child Development: “As children spend increasing amounts of time on social media, it’s crucial to consider how these digital interactions impact their social cognitive abilities. However, we must also recognize the significant influence of parents, teachers, and other caregivers in shaping children’s social development. By promoting healthy digital habits and modelling positive offline behaviors, adults can help children navigate both virtual and real-world social dynamics effectively.” (https://thefoxmagazine.com/technology/want-to-stay-off-your-phone-in-2021-dr-pamela-hurst-della-pietra-of-children-and-screens-shares-her-insights/)
Dr. Daniel Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and author of “The Whole-Brain Child”: “Children’s social cognitive development is deeply influenced by their experiences both online and offline. While social media can provide exposure to diverse perspectives and social interactions, it’s essential for adults to guide children in understanding and interpreting these experiences. By fostering secure attachments and modelling empathetic behaviour in real-life relationships, caregivers can support children in developing healthy social cognitive abilities in both digital and physical environments." (https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/video/whole-brain-child-approach?utm_campaign=ERC_National_Pmax&gclid=CjwKCAjwgpCzBhBhEiwAOSQWQRC5bfsUpbuE1gr3M6Xj09dc8RMTcZyulK_dvjgCiTsvqh9dDYoUzhoCpqkQAvD_BwE)

These expert opinions highlight the intertwined nature of children’s social cognitive development, emphasizing the importance of considering both online and offline influences in nurturing their social skills and emotional intelligence.

The Burden of Responsibility: Elders Must Act

As elders, we bear the weight of responsibility in shaping the minds of the next generation. Our actions, online behaviour, and choices have a profound impact on children’s social cognition, influencing their emotional intelligence, empathy, and relationships. It is our duty to acknowledge this role and take deliberate steps to create a nurturing environment that fosters healthy social cognition and balanced development.

Parents, educators, and policymakers must collaborate to establish a safe and responsible digital landscape for children. This entails:

Setting limits: Establishing clear boundaries and guidelines for screen time and online engagement.
Monitoring content: Ensuring access to age-appropriate content and blocking harmful or inappropriate material.
Promoting healthy online habits: Encouraging responsible social media use, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills.
Fostering empathy and compassion: Encouraging children to consider multiple perspectives and develop emotional intelligence.
Encouraging offline activities: Supporting engagement in physical play, sports, and creative pursuits.
Modelling healthy behaviour: Demonstrating responsible technology use and online behaviour ourselves.
Providing education and resources: Offering workshops, training, and support for children, parents, and educators.
Advocating for policy change: Pushing for legislation and regulations that prioritize children’s online safety and well-being.

Let us work together to create a world where children can thrive, learn, and grow in a healthy and balanced way.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Young minds are shaped by observation and social media, with long-term consequences for their well-being and society as a whole. However, by changing the way we behave around children, we can help them develop strong social cognitive abilities. When we model empathy, active listening, and respectful communication, children learn to do the same. They develop a deeper understanding of perspectives, emotions, and relationships, becoming more empathetic, self-aware, and effective communicators.

By intentionally teaching and modelling these skills, we can empower children to become individuals with strong social cognitive abilities, equipped to navigate complex social situations, build healthy relationships, and create a brighter future for themselves and others. Let’s make a conscious effort to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Let’s create a world where children can thrive, where they can grow up to be confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals. The future depends on it. Will you join the movement to shape a brighter tomorrow for our children?

“Their little hands will one day hold the world, so let’s make sure we teach them to be gentle and strong.”