Treating Kids Like Mini Adults? Adults Keep Missing This Point...

When you buy clothes for your kids, do you pick up your own size and then tailor them down?  

Of course not. Kids need designs made for them.

But when it comes to digital spaces, that’s exactly what we do. YouTube wasn’t built for kids. Neither was Instagram, TikTok, or even most of Roblox. These platforms were designed around adult attention spans, decision-making, and social dynamics. And for kids? They just slapped on parental controls and called it 'kid friendly.' 

Here’s the thing: kids aren’t just pocket-sized adults. They're almost a different species when it comes to how they think, learn and create. The one key difference – they haven’t been through puberty. That stage triggers a huge chemical and structural “remodeling” of the brain. Until then, the systems for focus, impulse control, and self-regulation are still under construction.

The Developing Brain

Here’s the science bit: the prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain that helps with impulse control, planning, and knowing when to stop - keeps developing well into your mid-twenties.

So when a 10-year-old disappears into autoplay videos, it’s not about weak willpower. Their brain simply doesn’t know when it’s had enough. They’re learning, sure, but they’re not entirely there. 

Think of it like this : We won’t let a kid drive a car, not because they don’t know their ABCs (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch). But only because judgment and skill take time to develop. Navigating the internet isn’t so different than navigating the roads. 

The Infinite Scroll Loop 

Let’s be honest: today’s platforms are engineered to keep you scrolling. 

Infinite scroll means no natural ending. Auto play feeds the 'just one more' loop. Algorithmic feeds make you feel “oh, that’s so me!”

None of this is accidental – it was all designed this way.

Even adults struggle to pull away, and we’ve got (slightly) better self-control. Kids, whose brains are still wiring up those controls? Imagine their difficulty!

Kids Think Differently

Kids aren’t just mini-adults. Their brains, learning styles, and social needs are wired differently. They learn best by playing and experimenting. They process social interactions in ways adults don’t.

Expecting them to flourish on platforms made for adults is like telling them to play basketball on a tennis court. Sure, they can make it work, but it’s not going to feel right. 

What Kid-First Digital Spaces Look Like

The question isn’t: “How do we make adult platforms safer for kids?” 

It’s: “What would a digital space look like if it was designed for kids from day one?”

Kids are natural prosumers. They want to watch, yes, but also remix, reimagine, and rebuild. They love content made by other kids. They thrive in spaces that center on friends, shared interests, and guided exploration.

The future isn’t about giving them less technology - it’s about giving them better technology. Tools and spaces that respect how they actually think, play, and grow.