Bar children to access social media

Many parents are confused about the age at which they should give their child a smartphone. On one hand, children begging to buy a smartphone, and on the other, researchers say that teenage smartphone use can be harmful. These are the reasons for the confusion.
A new study aims to clear up the confusion. The results of the study were published in the American journal Pediatrics on December 1. The study found that children under the age of 12 are at increased risk of depression, obesity, and lack of adequate sleep when using smartphones. The study compared the health of children under the age of 12 who did not have smartphones.
The study found that children under the age of 12 who owned smartphones experienced more symptoms of mental health problems than children who did not.
In line with this study’s findings, a law went a step further in Australia yesterday, banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. There, children under the age of 16 will no longer be able to access 10 social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Kik.
No one can argue that we should prevent children from spending all their time on screens. We should ensure that they play on playgrounds, join art classes, and meet and interact with each other in person.
This ban is being supported by voices from one side, saying that it will help to alleviate many problems such as social media addiction problems caused by minors using social media, self-image problems caused by children being exposed to inappropriate content online, sexual harassment, and addiction to cell phone use.
On the other hand, there are also voices of opposition, saying that “such a ban would deprive growing children of an important source of information.”
But there is no doubt that support far outweighs opposition. That is why, while such a law has been implemented in Australia, there are reports that many countries around the world are considering imposing restrictions on the use of social media by minors.
India should also consider banning children from accessing social media. The Union government should conduct a detailed study on this. If not up to the age of 16, then at least a couple of years should be reduced from accessing social media. Because some social media sites are filled with dangerous ‘pornographic garbage’ that misleads children.
Considering the US study and the Australian government’s drastic decision, let’s wait and see what action India is going to take!