Neuropsychologist Erik Matser from Helmond is concerned about the influence of social media on the brain of children. “Our brains get far too many incentives at a young age,” he warns. This week, the cabinet came with the advice to keep children under the age of 15 away from social media, something that Matser is completely behind.
Matser specializes in the relationship between the brain and behavior. He is worried about the age at which children come into contact with internet. “Your brain develops until you are 21. But on the internet, children aged 9 already end up on pages that are intended for adults. They are totally not suitable for that information and that causes development problems.”
He also sees a danger. “Children and young people compare themselves with others on social media and are not satisfied with themselves. That way they can really lose themselves.” According to the neuropsychologist, this can lead to, for example, an anxiety disorder.
Mentally not healthy
“Many young people do not feel well mentally at the moment,” says Matser. He points to research by the Trimbos Institute: almost half of the Dutch do not feel healthy mentally. “That has to do with our world full of stimuli. Our brains prefer to be at rest all day. With a tsunami of stimuli that doesn’t work.”
The result? “Your body produces all kinds of substances that cause complaints. You get pain, you get difficulty thinking, and get very tired. So you get sick in the end.”
Matser is therefore happy with the advice of the cabinet, which also states that children should not use a smartphone for group 8. “We have to start somewhere. So parents, take your responsibility.” He thinks it is important that schools also take the subject seriously. “We also do that with topics about drugs and sexuality. Teach children what the internet is and what screen addiction does.”