More countries move to restrict Social Media use for children

ISLAMABAD: Governments around the world are tightening rules on children’s access to social media, citing concerns over online safety, mental health, privacy, and cyberbullying.

Several countries have already introduced or proposed restrictions. Australia has passed legislation to ban social media access for children under 16. France requires parental consent for users under 15, while Norway has announced plans to raise the minimum age for social media use.

China has imposed strict limits on screen time and online access for minors, and Utah and several other U.S. states have introduced laws requiring parental consent for children’s social media accounts.

Supporters say these measures will help protect children from harmful content, online predators, and excessive screen time. Critics, however, argue that such restrictions raise concerns about privacy, censorship, and the practical challenges of enforcing age verification.

With more countries considering similar laws, the global debate over how to balance child safety and digital freedom continues to intensify.