Social Media and Minors (Completely Explained)

Context

A proposed bill seeks to ban under-15s from social networks, amid growing global concern, echoed by the European Parliament, over social media’s psychological and social impact on children.

Q1. Why are governments considering age restrictions on social media for children?

1. Children’s cognitive and emotional development is vulnerable to constant digital stimulation.
2. Algorithm-driven platforms amplify comparison, validation-seeking and harmful content.
3. Rising cases of cyberbullying, exploitation and online radicalisation among minors.
4. Existing parental controls and self-regulation by platforms have shown limited effectiveness.

Q2. How does social media affect children’s mental health and behaviour?

1. Mental health vulnerability: Anxiety, depression, body-image insecurity and low self-esteem due to idealised online personas and fear of missing out.
2. Addiction and overuse: Excessive screen time weakens family and peer relationships, increasing isolation.
3. Cyberbullying: Anonymity enables harassment, trolling and exploitation, as seen in cases like Bois Locker Room.
4. Online radicalisation: Algorithmic echo chambers normalise extreme views, misogyny and toxic masculinity.

Q3. What is the global policy approach to regulating children’s access to social media?

1. The European Union debates minimum age norms, leaving enforcement to member states.
2. Countries are exploring age verification, platform accountability and child-safety-by-design norms.
3. The focus is shifting from self-regulation to statutory oversight of digital platforms.

Q4. What challenges arise in enforcing age-based social media restrictions?

1. Difficulty in reliable age verification without violating privacy.
2. Risk of children migrating to unregulated or foreign platforms.
3. Digital divide in parental awareness and supervision capacities.
4. Balancing child protection with freedom of expression and access to information.

Q5. What should be the way forward to protect children online?

1. Digital literacy: Enable informed, ethical and critical online engagement among adolescents.
2. Parental oversight: Promote dialogue, supervision and emotional support at home.
3. School system reforms: Strengthen counselling, anti-bullying mechanisms and age-appropriate curricula.
4. Platform accountability: Enforce child-friendly design, safer algorithms and data protection norms.

Conclusion

Age-based regulation of social media reflects legitimate child-safety concerns. However, lasting protection requires a balanced approach combining regulation, education, parental involvement and accountable digital platforms.