The internet, hailed as an essential tool for learning and communication, has become an integral part of the lives of Canadian youth. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized its importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that fast and reliable internet is a basic service accessible to all. However, as the internet offers free educational utilities, it also presents significant drawbacks, especially for Black children. This article explores the dangers lurking on the internet that pose threats to the mental development and well-being of Black youth in Canada.
The Escalating Screen Time
With the advent of the pandemic, screen time among teenagers has seen a rapid surge, increasing by 17 per cent from 2019 to 2021. Notably, this spike is more pronounced in households of people of colour and low-income families, adversely impacted by COVID-19-related layoffs and quarantines. As children turn to online spaces for entertainment and connection, the risks associated with prolonged internet use become more prominent.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
While social media platforms offer information and entertainment, they also harbor toxicity and dangers such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and stalking. The amplification of real-life issues in online spaces is particularly concerning for children. A significant portion of the youth engages with social media, with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook dominating their digital landscape.
Hostile Online Environment for Black Children
The internet, mirroring the real world, can be hostile for Black children. Prejudices like classism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia permeate online communities designated for them. Despite ongoing efforts by Black creatives to establish a presence on popular platforms, challenges persist. Black children face an increased exposure to harmful content and negative influences.
Platform-Specific Challenges
Certain platforms, notably TikTok and YouTube, pose unique challenges for Black children. TikTok, initially celebrated for its creative trends, witnessed the appropriation of Black culture through dance moves and music. Black creators often find their content taken down more frequently, raising concerns about TikTok’s algorithm and content removal policies. YouTube family channels, a popular source of child-friendly entertainment, have faced criticism for exploiting Black children, perpetuating stereotypes, and engaging in inappropriate content for clickbait.
The Accountability Void
The lack of accountability on platforms is evident in cases like The Prince Family on YouTube, where creators expose young audiences to explicit content, compromise the well-being of their children, and engage in questionable behavior without facing significant consequences. The trend of Black YouTubers creating content that draws in audiences while promoting harmful stereotypes and explicit content raises questions about ethical content creation.
The Expectation of Excellence
The expectation of excellence from Black influencers can be both a burden and a source of resentment. Black professionals and influencers are often pressured to represent excellence, facing judgment if they fall short. This expectation, while present in non-Black spaces as well, can lead to undue stress on Black figures. The backlash against those who struggle to meet high standards is evident in cases like athletes Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka.
The dangers on the internet for Black children are multifaceted, ranging from explicit content and harmful stereotypes to the pressure for excellence. Content creators and platforms share a responsibility to ensure child-friendly content and a safe online environment. As Black children navigate the digital landscape, it is imperative to address these challenges collectively, fostering a space that promotes positive representation, protects mental well-being, and upholds the shared responsibility of creators and platforms in shaping the online experiences of the next generation.
