Concerns about the impact of social media on children are rising globally. Many governments are trying to curb these effects through age restrictions. However, these measures face significant challenges.
Recently, Canada attempted to join the ranks of countries banning social media access for minors. Similar policies in other regions aren’t producing the desired results.
Australia led the way last year by enforcing a nationwide ban for users under 16. The effectiveness of this approach remains questionable, as implementation and enforcement pose difficulties.
Countries are motivated by the potential harms that excessive social media exposure can have on young individuals. These include mental health issues, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns.
