Beyond bans
THE move by Australia to ban social media access for children under 16 has reignited global discussions on safeguarding young minds. While a similar ban in India might seem appealing, implementing it would be a logistical nightmare. Instead, a more balanced approach is essential to protect children from the psychological and social harms of excessive social media use. Studies, including those from the American Psychological Association, highlight the negative impacts of unregulated social media usage on adolescents, such as anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. The rise in cyberbullying, body image issues and sleep disorders further exacerbates the problem, affecting millions of young users. However, imposing an outright ban may inadvertently push children towards unsafe, unregulated platforms, as experts warn.
India must instead focus on promoting healthy social media habits. First, schools can play a pivotal role by incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum, teaching children to navigate the online world responsibly. Second, Internet service providers should offer parental controls at the network level, making it easier for parents to manage their children’s online exposure without constant supervision. Moreover, tech companies must be held accountable. Stricter regulations should mandate social media platforms to enforce age verification and provide age-appropriate content. Partnerships between the government, civil society and technology providers can also create awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of excessive screen time and encouraging offline activities.
India can also learn from global examples by setting up an independent regulatory body to monitor and address digital safety concerns. Such a framework would not only protect children but also preserve their creative outlets and support networks, which are crucial for their development. In the face of rapid digital transformation, safeguarding India’s youth from the ills of social media is not just a challenge — it is a responsibility that demands urgent, collaborative action.
