Parents’ task is to ensure safety of their children

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Shaun Rowland ( Comment , 6/11) is right that children need to learn to navigate the real world, and that social media is part of it. But we can’t ignore how these platforms actually work. They are not neutral spaces. Their algorithms are designed to hold attention for as long as possible, often by amplifying emotion, comparison and conflict. That is challenging enough for adults. For children, whose brains and self-regulation are still developing, it can be overwhelming.

We are in an awkward interim period. The technology is alread