In an era dominated by the digital landscape, the influence of social media on various aspects of society is undeniable. One particularly significant area of concern is its impact on children's attitudes towards authority figures.

Due to the increased use of social media, children aged 8-15 are allowed access to diverse opinions on all subjects, which may challenge, question or undermine authority. The constant exposure to alternative viewpoints can lead to scepticism and a diminished sense of respect for members of authority. Additionally, the ease with which children can voice their opinions online, often anonymously, may contribute to a sense of empowerment and entitlement that can clash with traditional structures of authority that rely on obedience and deference.

Elliot Thorne is currently working within the police and is a volunteer police cadet leader and scouts leader. He stated ‘As time’s gone on, with everything in the media, things can be a bit tricky, especially with young people, you know, people don’t always like the police’; ‘I think when people see the police, they think we are strict and scary’. Mr Thorne later said ‘It is the way it is perceived in the media and also how people of authority deal with situations.’

One way to reduce the effect of social media is through young groups like police cadets. Police cadets helps to educate 11–18-year-olds on what the police can do and allow an opportunity for insight into the justice system. Mr Thorne said ‘With the kids and the group here [police cadets] they are very enthusiastic [when it comes to working with the police]’, ‘We are a bit more of a relaxed unit’ / ‘which I think helps in terms of friends and a good atmosphere’.

Another reason for how people treat authority is down to how you were brought up. Our childhood experiences help to form our beliefs and attitudes towards ourselves and other people. Children with more lenient parents often believe they have the same power when interacting with others. This relates to the life course theory, which basically states that early experiences like family dysfunction, neglect, any forms of abuse or violence, resource deficit, inaccessibility to care, etc, can create a pattern of disadvantage or privilege over time; each life course influences the next.

Many teachers and teaching assistants have seen this inside of the classroom, reporting that students feel 'a need to input their opinion no matter how offensive/inappropriate and get away with it’. This attitude disrupts the lesson and causes other students to lose out on learning. In schools around Hampshire, students are often seen wilfully missing lessons, shouting at teachers and disobeying teachers who tell them to do something. Many teachers in the last year have had to switch classes with another teacher due to students not treating them well.

An example of social media influence is during the summer, on TikTok, there was a trend called ‘Borrowing from Boots’ in which young girls would film themselves stealing from Boots to show how easy it was to steal. Boots repeatedly complained and reported to TikTok but got no response. Social media channels need to take more responsibility and filter what is allowed to be shared. Freedom of speech should not encourage disobedience, violence or disrespect. Adults need to teach their kids the word No.