Concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health are prompting calls for stricter age restrictions in several countries, including Australia, France, and some parts of the United States.
In South Africa, the conversation is gaining attention after KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane raised alarm over the risks associated with social media use among young people.
Speaking on the KZN Health Chat multimedia programme, Simelane urged parents to play a more active role in monitoring their children’s online behaviour. She highlighted growing evidence linking excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide.
Simelane also warned about cyberbullying and digital peer pressure, noting serious incidents where children have suffered harm due to inappropriate online content and behaviour. One such case involved a learner digitally altering another student’s photo, resulting in damaging consequences.
Recent data shows that South Africa has 26.7 million active adult social media users. In the past year alone, user numbers grew by more than 700,000. Among children aged 10 to 17, ninety five percent have regular internet access and over eighty percent of 12-year-olds already have at least one social media account.
Many parents find it increasingly difficult to manage their children’s online activity. With digital content being visually engaging and often addictive, children are regularly exposed to material that may not be suitable for their age group.
Australia is taking the lead by preparing to introduce the first national ban on social media access for children under 16. This decision follows a successful trial of digital age verification technology, which proved capable of restricting access in most cases.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook may face penalties if they do not comply, although authorities acknowledge that enforcement remains a challenge.
Other countries are taking similar steps. France is proposing parental consent for accounts created by those under 15. Italy has set the consent age at 14. Norway is considering raising the minimum age to 15.
The United Kingdom is reviewing the effects of smartphones on children with possible policy changes in mind. In Canada, both Québec and Ontario are examining the possibility of a ban for under-16s and have already placed restrictions on phone use in schools. Florida in the United States has signed a ban for under-14s, although it is currently being challenged in court.
The European Union is also discussing a framework to define a digital age of adulthood along with tighter age verification regulations.
Despite these developments, many experts believe that legislation alone is not enough. Children often find ways to bypass age restrictions by using fake credentials, borrowing devices from older siblings, or accessing platforms without supervision.
For most families, mobile phones are essential tools for learning, entertainment, and communication. Completely banning access may not be practical without strong support systems in place. Any successful effort to protect young users will require a combined approach that involves parents, educators, government institutions, and technology companies.
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