TAKE IT OFFLINE

Australia has become the world's first country to bring in a social media ban for kids under 16. One wonders, however, if a blanket ban is the best idea. Experts weigh in

- NIKITA SAWANT

Have you ever tried having a conversation with a smartphone-wielding teenager and felt like you're talking to a wall? Has it got so out of hand that you're now having to check your child's Insta stories to know what's happening in their life? One thing we can tell you – you're not alone in this. Besides turning children into the worst conversationalists, social media brings with it other issues like cyberbullying, depression, low self-esteem, cancel culture, disrupted sleep, and safety risks. Social media is a gift that keeps on giving, especially when it comes to children and young adults who don't know better.

Now the elders of the world (geriatric millennials, assemble!) have had enough of the social media addiction. Leading the charge is Australia, which passed a law in November last year that banned the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Several other countries, too, are considering a ban on socials, or are looking for other ways to limit its use among the younger population. Limiting access to social networks is one thing, but is a total ban really necessary? “Australia’s move is a bold one, aiming to protect mental health. While it might seem restrictive, it’s an effort to shield young people from the negative impacts of social media,” shares Kinisha R Sanghvi, a child psychologist.