New Delhi: Reports that several Indian states are considering restricting social media access for children below 16 have sparked a wider debate on how digital platforms affect young minds and what kind of safeguards are truly effective.
Experts point to Australia’s recent move, where legislation was introduced to shield young users from online features that encourage excessive screen time or expose them to harmful content. According to the Office for Youth, the objective is to protect children’s health and overall well-being. Notably, the law was shaped after consultations with parents and children.
Journalist and Trust & Safety practitioner Jatin Gandhi said parental concerns are valid but stressed that the success of any such law depends on implementation and social acceptance. “Some children may find ways around restrictions, but not all. Everything hinges on how the law is introduced, monitored, and reinforced at home and in society,” he said.
Gandhi described the proposed restrictions as a necessary corrective. “Social media has largely gone unchecked and has caused significant social disruption. With rising internet penetration and platforms prioritising profits over users, regulation has become essential. A phased approach—first restrict, then regulate, and gradually ease—makes sense,” he added.
Fact-checking and media literacy expert Joydeep Dasgupta also supported limits on children’s social media use but underlined the importance of guided access. He said the internet remains a valuable educational tool and should be available for schoolwork under parental or teacher supervision.
However, Sambit Pal, In-Charge Director at the MIT Art, Design and Technology University’s International School of Broadcasting and Journalism, cautioned against expecting children to completely avoid smartphones or social networks. “In a connected world, that’s neither practical nor realistic. What works better is parental guidance and open conversations on responsible usage,” he said.
Dasgupta warned that unrestricted access can expose children to cyberbullying, online predators, and unhealthy comparisons. “Parents must set screen-time limits and help children balance digital learning with real-life interaction,” he noted.
Gandhi referenced writer and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow to explain how social media platforms often decline in quality. He outlined a three-stage cycle: platforms initially empower users and build communities; then they monetise attention through advertising; and finally, they prioritise profit accumulation without adding value for users or partners.
“Earlier, users searched for content. Now, content finds users through algorithmic targeting,” Gandhi observed, highlighting how platforms shape behaviour.
Pal added that responsibility also lies with companies. “Social media firms must enforce stricter age-verification systems and ensure underage users are shown only safe, appropriate content,” he said, using a metaphor to underline the risk: “Children are diving into a vast ocean of content without knowing how to swim—something even adults struggle with.”
While opinions differ on whether bans are the answer, experts broadly agree that protecting young minds will require a mix of regulation, responsible platform design, and sustained parental engagement.
With inputs from IANS