australia is taking bold action to shield children from potential harm on social media. On Wednesday, prime minister Anthony Albanese announced a legislative plan to ban social media access for children under the age of 16, signaling a major step forward in the nation’s stance on online safety for youth. Albanese stated, “Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it.” The proposed legislation is expected to enter Australia’s parliament this year and, if passed, would come into effect one year later. Importantly, the law would leave no room for parental consent as a workaround, meaning social media giants like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube would be required to strictly enforce age restrictions and prevent under-16s from using their platforms.

The upcoming law is set to be one of the world’s most rigorous social media restrictions targeting minors. It reflects a growing trend among nations recognizing the impact of unregulated social media access on young users, especially in a landscape where algorithm-driven content prioritizes engagement over mental well-being. Last month, norway announced it would raise the age limit for social media usage from 13 to 15, emphasizing the need to protect young users from tech companies whose profit motives often overlook the potential harms posed to children’s developing minds.

As other countries respond with similar measures, india might consider whether such steps could be beneficial. With its vast youth population and one of the highest numbers of social media users globally, the question of social media’s role in indian children’s lives is increasingly pertinent. Online exposure brings an array of challenges for young users in india, from cyberbullying to mental health risks and addictive usage patterns that can disrupt studies and personal development. As seen in recent global research, early exposure to social media can affect a child’s mental well-being, contributing to heightened levels of anxiety, lower self-esteem, and even depression.

With an approach like Australia’s, india could bolster its existing framework of wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital safety and child protection, addressing the long-standing gap in online regulations for minors. However, such regulation would also need careful implementation, especially given the diverse wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital infrastructure and access disparities across the country. Policymakers would need to navigate various challenges, including ensuring robust age-verification systems, incentivizing compliance among tech companies, and educating parents on supporting safe wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital practices.

India’s decision-makers might look to australia and norway as case studies, observing the efficacy of these age restrictions in promoting healthier online environments for young people. By taking similar steps, india could join a growing movement of countries determined to prioritize child safety over corporate profit in the wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital age.