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Australia has taken a bold step in its bid to protect children from the potential harms of social media by enacting a law that will ban access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16. This unprecedented move, supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and enjoying bipartisan support, makes Australia the first country to implement such a sweeping ban. The legislation puts the onus on social media companies to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access, rather than relying on parents or young people to enforce restrictions.
The Australian government's decision is rooted in a growing body of evidence highlighting the negative impacts of social media on children's mental and physical well-being. Numerous studies, including internal research conducted by Facebook (now Meta), have shown that social media platforms, particularly Instagram, can contribute to body image issues, anxiety, and depression among teenagers, especially girls. The Australian government's move is being lauded as a proactive measure that acknowledges the dangers of social media for young audiences and attempts to hold social media platforms accountable for their role in safeguarding children.
India, like many other nations, is grappling with the challenges of balancing the benefits of social media with the need to protect its young citizens from its potential harms. While India already has legal guidelines in place, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, which mandates parental consent for processing the data of minors, the question remains whether these measures are sufficient. The alarming statistics from India, indicating that a significant proportion of children spend excessive hours on social media, underline the urgency for stronger measures to protect children online.
The Australian example presents a compelling case for India to consider implementing similar age restrictions on social media access. While the efficacy and potential consequences of such a law remain to be seen in Australia, it is a bold initiative that could serve as a model for other countries seeking to address the growing concerns around the impact of social media on children's well-being. India, with its rapidly evolving digital landscape and a burgeoning young population, has a crucial stake in creating a safe and responsible online environment for its youth. The decision to act or not act on this issue will have profound implications for the future of the next generation of Indian digital citizens.
Source: Australia bans social media for kids under 16: Should India do the same?