Is a Social Media Ban the Right Solution for Our Kids?
As various movements around the world push for a ban on social media for minors, the question arises: is such a ban actually the answer?
Recently, Australia has introduced a bill that could prevent children under 16 from using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), even with parental consent. While concerns about the negative effects of social media on children are growing, this proposed ban raises important questions about enforcement and effectiveness.
Will Social Media Bans Actually Work?
Australia’s bill promises to hold tech companies accountable if children access their platforms, but what does this mean in practice? When we look at similar laws in other countries, such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S. or the European Union’s 2015 legislation limiting access to online platforms for those under 16 without parental consent, the results have been mixed. In many cases, these laws haven’t stopped children from bypassing restrictions.
When something is banned, it often becomes more appealing to kids. They’re resourceful and find ways around barriers—whether by lying about their age, using a parent’s email account, or finding loopholes in verification processes. Even if children are prevented from creating accounts, they can still view content on these platforms. If a complete ban is imposed, kids might turn to lesser-known or even less-regulated platforms, where the risks could be greater.
Norway has had a ban on social media for children under 13 for years, but it’s largely been ignored. The country plans to raise the age to 16 by 2025, but again, the results have been less than promising. Without strong enforcement or a technological solution, bans like this may be ineffective in protecting children.
The Risks of a Complete Ban
While the dangers of social media are well-documented, there are compelling arguments against an outright ban. A complete ban could have unintended consequences, especially for vulnerable groups of children. For instance, social media can provide vital support for children with disabilities, allowing them to connect with others and find community. Many children rely on social media for mental health support, seeking advice or sharing experiences in a safe space. There is not even conclusive evidence that social media
Social media also offers children opportunities to stay connected with family and friends, discover new interests, and engage with important social issues. It exposes them to a broader range of ideas and can foster creativity. For some kids, social media is an essential tool for self-expression or even for building a career, such as those in the arts or other professions where online portfolios are important.
Moreover, social media skills are increasingly important for future careers. As children learn to navigate these platforms, they are gaining digital literacy skills that will be essential in the workforce. Banning social media might limit these opportunities.
The problem, however, may not lie with social media itself but with how it shapes self-image. Platforms that promote unrealistic beauty standards and encourage unhealthy comparisons, particularly among young girls, can harm self-esteem. Instead of banning social media altogether, perhaps the focus should be on addressing the environment these platforms create—especially the culture of image manipulation and comparison.
The Role of Parents: More Than Just Policing
Another key issue with the idea of a ban is that it places the burden of responsibility on parents. It’s unrealistic (and undesirable) to expect parents to constantly monitor and control their children’s social media use. We should be able to trust our children while also ensuring their safety online. The answer can’t be a simple “educate parents and kids about digital hygiene,” because that doesn’t address the core of the issue.
The tech companies that profit from social media should be held accountable for creating safer platforms. While education about digital hygiene is important, it isn’t enough. Parents can play a crucial role in guiding their children’s use of social media, but they need tools and resources to do so effectively.
A good starting point for parents is to set up social media accounts with their children, ensuring that privacy controls are in place and explaining what these settings mean for their online experience. Encouraging children to use social media for good—such as promoting causes or sharing positive content—can also help shift the conversation away from unhealthy uses of these platforms.
One simple way for parents to stay involved is to ask their children to add them as a friend or follower. You don’t have to engage with every post, but having access to their account allows you to check in on their online activity and gauge the tone of what they’re sharing. It’s not about policing every interaction, but being present and informed.
The Challenges of Enforcing a Ban
For a social media ban to be effective, it would require a strict identification process, such as verifying age through government-issued IDs or passports. This would be costly, complicated, and raise concerns about privacy and surveillance. It also raises significant questions about children’s rights, particularly their right to freedom of expression as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child[1].
The right to freedom of expression includes the right to access information and share ideas, which brings us to a difficult question: can we protect children from online harms while respecting their rights to express themselves? Until these issues are resolved, opinions on social media bans will continue to be divided.
Dr. Natasna Azzopardi-Muscat, Director for Country Health Policies and Systems at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, summed it up well: “In short, they [the children] should rule social media, and not have social media ruling them.” Hopefully, one day, we’ll reach a point, where children can control their online experience without being overwhelmed by its negative effects.
What Can We Do Now?
While the debate over a social media ban continues, parents and guardians have little choice than to take an active role in their children’s online lives. Here are a few ways we can support our kids when they start using social media:
Show your kids your own social media accounts. If you’re using social media for work or community involvement, share that with your children. They might be surprised to see how you use it responsibly. Let them see how you keep in touch with distant friends or family and encourage them to offer their opinions about your online presence. Being a positive role model can have a big impact.
Set up social media accounts together. Help your children create their accounts and ensure they understand how to adjust privacy settings. Explain what each setting means and why it matters.
Encourage positive use of social media. Suggest ways they can use social media for good—whether that’s promoting a cause they care about or supporting friends and family. Social media can be a powerful tool for social good.
Ask them to add you as a friend or follower. While they might not want you to comment on everything, having access to their profiles allows you to check in and stay informed about who they’re interacting with and what they’re posting.
Encourage offline activities. Remind them that in-person relationships and physical activities are just as important as virtual connections. Social media should never replace real-world experiences.
Talk about the risks. Teach your children about the potential dangers of social media, including inappropriate content and toxic behavior. Let them know they can come to you if something feels wrong.
The Bigger Picture: Finding Real Solutions
The debate about banning social media for kids will continue, but the reality is that any solution must go beyond simply shutting down access. What’s needed is a multi-faceted approach that combines better regulation, stronger enforcement, and education for both children and parents.
While banning social media might seem like an easy fix, it won’t work unless we address the root causes of the issues at hand—unregulated content, harmful comparisons, and online safety. The tech companies have a responsibility to ensure their platforms are safe for young users. It’s unfortunate that, despite growing concerns, extreme measures or strong pressure seem to be our only option to force tech companies to make social media safe for children.
[1]https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention
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