Rethinking Social Media Bans: A Collective Approach to Online Safety for Children

Banning children under 16 from social media may seem beneficial, but evidence suggests it wouldn't improve youth mental health and could make children more vulnerable. Instead, a collective approach involving governments, industry, and caregivers is needed to create safer digital environments. Safety-by-design principles and evidence-based education are crucial.

Sydney University Sydney, Sep 13 (The Conversation) - The idea of banning children under 16 from social media might appear appealing to overwhelmed parents, but evidence indicates that such measures would unlikely alleviate the youth mental health crisis. In fact, bans could even exacerbate children's vulnerabilities online.

Children primarily use online spaces to socialize, which is vital for their wellbeing. Closing these avenues through a ban can lead to lower-quality online interactions and reinforce the notion that parents do not understand the digital realm. Children would likely circumvent the bans, making it harder to seek help if problems arise.

Tighter regulation and a collective responsibility approach are essential for online safety. This involves governments, industry players, and communities working together. Safety-by-design principles can create safer tech environments, while targeted education can equip children to effectively navigate digital risks. By investing in evidence-based strategies, we can foster optimal, safe online experiences for children.

(With inputs from agencies.)