Teens at crossroads

SOCIAL MEDIA BAN ON AUSSIE KIDS

- ANISHA KHATUN, OP

In today's hyper-connected world, banning social media often feels taboo. Yet Australia has taken a bold step, aiming to shield children from harmful online content, addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, and online grooming.

Following Australia's lead, several European nations, including Denmark, Ireland, and Norway, are considering similar measures. In the United States, restrictions on children's social media use are already being implemented at the state level, reflecting a growing global concern over the impact of digital platforms on young minds.

As governments worldwide move to regulate children's access to social media, a crucial question arises: does India need to implement similar restrictions? Recent data suggests the debate is both timely and necessary. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 reveals that 76 per cent of Indian children aged 14-16 use smartphones to access social media, while only 57 per cent use them for educational purposes. The nationwide survey, highlights how deeply smartphones and social media have become embedded in adolescents' daily lives.