Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the negative impact of social media and short video consumption on children's development, emphasizing the need for parents to restrict their children's access to these platforms to protect their mental health and cognitive abilities [7][10][19]. Group 1: Social Media Restrictions - A new law in Australia prohibits social media use for children under 16, which has received positive feedback from public figures like Zhang Zetian and Liu Jialing [7][11]. - Zhang Zetian firmly opposes allowing her children to use social media, citing concerns about abnormal brain development due to early exposure [8][10]. - The discussion around this topic has gained significant traction online, with over 120 million views on related hashtags [11][13]. Group 2: Impact on Youth - In China, there are approximately 185 million young internet users, with 13.42% spending over 4 hours online daily, preferring online activities over offline ones [21][22]. - Excessive screen time is linked to negative effects on academic performance, vision, and irreversible brain damage [25]. - Short videos are described as "electronic drugs," leading to attention fragmentation and potential ADHD risks among children [26][28][31]. Group 3: Cognitive and Creative Development - Children exposed to short videos are losing their attention spans and creativity, as they become accustomed to rapid stimuli and instant gratification [30][34]. - The article highlights a case of a 14-year-old boy whose addiction to short videos has severely impacted his focus and behavior [27]. - The prevalence of internet slang and memes among children is seen as detrimental to their communication skills and critical thinking abilities [36][37]. Group 4: Perspectives from Influential Figures - Prominent figures like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have also restricted their children's access to technology, recognizing the potential harms of excessive screen time [43][44]. - The article suggests that wealthy families are more likely to protect their children from digital distractions, fostering skills that lead to academic and professional success [46][47]. Group 5: Solutions for Parents - The article proposes strategies for parents to help children reduce their screen time, such as setting limits on device usage and encouraging outdoor activities [48][49]. - It emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience boredom, which can foster creativity and independent thinking [49]. - Parents are encouraged to model good behavior by limiting their own screen time to set a positive example for their children [49].