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NEW YORK, Dec 11 (APP):As debates intensify worldwide over how young is “too young” to use social media, UNICEF has urged governments to look beyond simple age-based bans.
While many countries are introducing minimum-age rules across platforms, UNICEF warned that such restrictions—though well-intentioned—may carry unintended risks and could ultimately fail to protect children in the digital age.
UNICEF reacted after a social media ban for children under 16 came into effect in Australia on Wednesday, marking a global first.
After months of anticipation and discussion over the Australian government’s controversial move, under 16s woke up to find themselves locked out of popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, according to media reports.
The ban aims to protect young people from online abuse such as cyberbullying, exploitation and exposure to harmful content, all of which are detrimental to their mental health and well-being.
While welcoming the growing commitment to children’s online safety, UNICEF said social media bans come with their own risks, and they may even backfire.
“Social media is not a luxury – for many children, especially those who are isolated or marginalized, it is a lifeline providing access to learning, connection, play, and self-expression. What’s more, many children and young people will still access social media, whether through workarounds, shared devices, or turning to less regulated platforms, ultimately making it harder to protect them.
“Age restrictions must be part of a broader approach that protects children from harm, respects their rights to privacy and participation, and avoids pushing them into unregulated, less safe spaces,” UNICEF said. “Regulation should not be a substitute for platforms investing in child safety. Laws introducing age restrictions are not an alternative to companies improving platform design and content moderation.”
UNICEF called on governments, regulators, and companies to work with children and families to build digital environments that are safe, inclusive, and respect children’s rights.