Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age of Social Media: Where is the balance?

Social media has undoubtedly transformed the way young people interact, learn, and express themselves. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat offer creative outlets, educational content, and opportunities for global connectivity. However, the risks have also become increasingly evident – cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, privacy violations, and the impact on mental health are real, growing concerns. Studies have indicated that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth amongst children and adolescents. As these risks become more pronounced, governments worldwide have been ramping up efforts to regulate the social media landscape.

The Regulatory Response

Recognizing the urgency and severity of situations that have arisen in a need to protect children online, different jurisdictions have adopted various regulatory levers that include:

1. Age Verification Measures. For e.g. regulators in UK, Singapore and South Korea mandate platforms to deploy stricter age verification processes to ensure children do not access harmful content.
2. Content Moderation. For e.g. regulators in the EU and Indonesia require large platforms to actively monitor and remove illegal and harmful content.
3. Parental Controls. For e.g. the US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) sets strict limits on data collection from users under 13, requiring parental consent.
4. Algorithmic Transparency and Accountability. Regulators in the UK, EU, US, Australia, China, etc. are increasingly demanding greater transparency around content recommendation algorithms and explicit opt-outs to prevent harmful spirals that affect young users.

While these measures represent progress, gaps remain in their implementation and effectiveness.

Where are the shortcomings?

Despite the growing web of regulations, enforcement can become inconsistent, or the protective levers can be ineffective in some areas. For example, one perennial issue has been that age verification mechanisms can be easily bypassed. In some cases, some platforms rely largely on self-regulation and reactive moderation rather than proactive harm prevention.

Data privacy risks are also another key concern. Several platforms engage in aggressive data collection and behavioural tracking of young users, raising ethical questions about surveillance and consent. Meanwhile, penalties for non-compliance often lack teeth, making violations seem like a cost of doing business rather than a deterrent. Perhaps the challenge lies in designing a system where platforms could have some incentives to prioritize safety while maintaining a free and open digital space

Who should the burden fall on?

A critical debate around social media regulation revolves around who should be responsible for compliance and enforcement. The key actors that are always in question are:

• Platforms, given that social media companies have the most and direct access, control and reach to users over their consumption of content and thereby, should be the gatekeepers or guardians of age verification.
• Some argue that App Stores such as Apple and Google should play a greater role in restricting underage access to apps, as they control distribution channels.
• Should parents be part of a formal accountability process? While digital literacy and parental supervision are important, placing the full burden on parents or guardians would be unrealistic.
• Governments and regulators are expected to set clear guidelines, legislation and follow through on enforcement to keep bad actors in check but over-regulation can result in the onset of a different set of problems altogether.

The Australian Social Media Ban: A Case Study

Late last year, Australia enacted the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, prohibiting individuals under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms. This landmark legislation aims to enhance online safety for minors but has sparked extensive debate regarding its implementation and potential effectiveness.

Critics argue that such a ban may be unenforceable – as children can still access social media through VPNs, alternative accounts, or older family members’ devices. Others point to the loss of digital literacy opportunities that come with outright bans, as well as concerns over freedom of expression. Instead of a complete prohibition, experts advocate for a hybrid approach that includes stronger parental controls, enhanced platform accountability, and digital education initiatives.

As of March 2025, the legislation has been passed, and the government is in the process of determining the most effective methods for enforcing the age restrictions. The legislation requires social media platforms to implement age verification systems to prevent underage users from creating accounts. The law also stipulates that social media companies would have a one-year period to implement robust age verification mechanisms or face penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million for systemic breaches.

Implications for Other Countries

Would other countries follow Australia’s lead? The social media age ban represents a bold step toward safeguarding minors online, but its success will depend on the careful implementation of age verification technologies, respect for user privacy, and the adaptability of the legislative framework to address emerging challenges in the digital landscape. While some countries may consider similar legislation, the challenges associated with enforcing age verification, protecting user privacy, and ensuring equitable access to online resources may lead others to adopt alternative strategies, such as enhancing digital literacy programs or implementing less restrictive age assurance measures.

A Shared Responsibility for a Safer Digital Future

Ultimately, we all know and will agree that ensuring a safer social media space for children requires collective action. Governments must enact enforceable laws with tangible consequences for violations, platforms must prioritize ethical business models, and parents should be equipped with the necessary tools to guide their children’s digital experiences.

The internet should remain a space for learning, creativity, and connection, but not at the cost of children’s well-being. A well-balanced regulatory approach rather than extreme measures will be key to securing a future where technology empowers rather than endangers young users.