Given the increasing problems resulting from the excessive use of social networks by minors, it makes sense to limit the use of devices and access to certain platforms in classrooms A good first step that many jurisdictions and countries have adopted with good and verifiable results. However, there are those who strive for more so that technology does not hinder healthy development. The debate between prohibition and education continues.
It has already begun to rule Australia the ban on the use of social networks by minors under 16 years of age. The country was a pioneer by passing this law in November 2024. Tech companies must deactivate or delete all already active accounts belonging to minors and prevent new young users from accessing them or face hefty fines of over $32 million.
So the Australian state assumes this the commitment that many parents and schools have been unable to fulfill on their own to reduce potential reliance on networks and their undesirable effectsin millions of children. Applications like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X, Revise And Twitchwill now compete with sports, social life of personal interaction and nature, ensuring more time for healthy growth. In the case of YouTubeAlthough people under 16 years of age can watch videos, they cannot access the social network mode offered by the platform or upload content or make comments.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanesespoke of the “Clear causal link between the rise of social media and the damage to the mental health of young AustraliansThere are also specialists who foresee undesirable effects of the measure, such as the tendency of young people to isolate themselves or to engage in the call Deep Web.
Denmark It has also passed a law banning the use of networks by minors under 15, citing the risk of addiction and exposure to harmful content on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. It is the first European country to take this route. “The so-called social networks profit by stealing our children’s time, childhood and well-being“, said the minister Caroline Stage. They are also planning information campaigns and a fund of around $24 million for the digital protection of children. The proposal provides for an exception: parents can allow access from the age of 13 in certain situations. The left-wing parties did not support this as they questioned the automatic age verification mechanisms, which they said were not adequately taken into account in the text.
While chili Although we have imposed restrictions on devices in classrooms across the country, we are only using them in some schools and jurisdictions such as the Federal Capital with good results, so there are groups of parents who want to emulate the Australian example here.
While also in Malaysia They confirm the measures and are working on a plan that will provide protection for 8 million children. The decisions by Denmark and Australia redefine the fragile boundaries between digital freedom and essential emotional protection. The regulations that are beginning to apply in Australia can certainly be improved and should be reviewed, as a ban must provide alternatives so that children are not abruptly removed from their social environment. For many, imposing restrictions at a young age only delays the inevitable and suppresses the opportunities that networks offer. The best way seems to be the middle one: train and support for digital life.
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