Should India Ban Social Media for Children Under 16 Like Australia?

From 10 December, children under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to have social media accounts in Australia. The Australian government says the ban is a world's best policy, popular with many parents, which is aimed at protecting them from harmful content and other risks such as cyberbullying and grooming.

Australia became the first country in the world to legally ban children under 16 from holding social media accounts on major platforms.

The rationale cited by supporters includes mental-health concerns, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and general risks to under-developed minds.

However, even in Australia there is debate: some experts warn that enforcement may be flawed, that children might migrate to unregulated platforms, or that the ban could limit legitimate benefits such as learning, social connection and digital literacy.

Given India’s large population of children and teenagers, and widespread social media accessibility and usage------this decision elsewhere naturally sparks the question: should India consider a similar ban or regulation?

What are your thoughts on this significant and socially relevant issue?

My thought about this is that parents/adults should have the possibility to block specific social media links in a part of the device that a regular user cannot reach/open... and of course talking with the kids about the issue. Nevertheless, a family-intern communication net should be created and/or with known friends (like one could do it with skype).

Also in school, there should be once in a week media competency in the curriculum from the age of 10 onwards (which encompasses - step for step - not only how to use certain devices but also how to not use it and why and when - to learn about the benefits and the dangers in another environment than at home only (too many parents don't give a damn what the teenage kids do... they are just happy to not have to deal with them and avoid communication/being together).

I thinks it’s a good idea. Kids should give more time for studies , sports and bonding with friends n relatives in person rather than through phone.

Also kids have access to por* /adult stuff causing so many social problems.

But a kind of law to not allowing social media would not be as effective as giving the tools to hinder under 16 kids to even use social media and adult websites...

I completely agree with that:

Originally posted by: Sutapasima

... Kids should give more time to studies , sports and bonding with friends n relatives in person rather than through phone.

The Australian government has said the move will reduce the negative impact of social media’s "design features that encourage [young people] to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing”.

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'Taking back control': Australian PM Albanese hails social media ban for teens

Originally posted by: Clochette

But a kind of law to not allowing social media would not be as effective as giving the tools to hinder under 16 kids to even use social media and adult websites...

I completely agree with that:

I totally agree . Making a law will not deter … what’s stopping kids from accessing mom Dad’s mobiles ? Anyone can make fake profile, how to check / who will check kids for 24*7 …. see when I joined IF I was ??13/14 yrs . Even though IF was accessible fully I could not access so many things on FB .. then I gave my age as really ancient … later when I tried to edit …I discovered, that part of FB profile is permanent…can’t be edited to my shock .. I am now prehistoric being as per FB 🤣😂🤣😂

I firmly believe that children should not have access to social media. But how to prevent them, that is the real problem for parents. The main points are--

Why Social Media Should Be Banned for Children

1. Protection from Mental health risks

Children are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and comparison culture.
A ban shields them from harmful content and unrealistic standards that can damage emotional well-being.

2. Prevention of cyberbullying

Social media is a major breeding ground for cyberbullying.
Younger children often lack the emotional tools to handle online harassment, which can lead to long-term trauma.

3. Safeguarding Against Predators and Online Exploitation

Children can be easily manipulated by strangers online.
A ban minimises the risk of grooming, stalking, and exposure to inappropriate content.

4. Reduced Addiction and Screen Dependency

Social media apps are designed to be addictive.
Limiting early exposure helps children form healthier habits and prevents dopamine-driven screen dependency.

5. Better Academic Focus and Productivity

Without the constant distraction of notifications, children can concentrate better on studies, hobbies, and extracurricular activities, improving overall development.

6. Protection of Privacy

Young users often share personal information without understanding the consequences.
A ban prevents data misuse, identity theft, and tracking by unknown entities.

7. Encourages Real-Life Social Skills

Instead of interacting through screens, children engage more in real-world friendships, communication, and physical activities—crucial for personality development.

8. Delays Exposure to Harmful Trends

Social media trends can promote risky behaviours, unhealthy challenges, and misinformation.
A ban helps shield children from content that normalizes dangerous or inappropriate actions.

9. Stronger Family Bonding and Healthy Lifestyle

Children engage more with family, outdoor activities, reading, and creative hobbies when not constantly pulled toward social media feeds.

10. Supports Cognitive and Emotional Maturity

Social media demands judgment, critical thinking, and emotional resilience—skills children develop only with age.
Delaying access allows them to mature before handling online pressure.

The reasons are obvious to every adult who really cares for the kids... but life often tells other stories... so, basically, it wouldn't be a bad move to implement the ban but with also the technical possibilities to include it into a device (imo).

In our times now, I really think that the handling of communication tools like handy, pc, tablet etc. should be part of the educational process also in schools (in addition to all the manipulation the digital world allows).

In my family, we not only limit the time when and how long a handy can be used (one can do it in the handy itself) but we also discuss with them anything that comes up as possible (or real) issue related to the digital world.