Is it okay for children to be on social networks? The debate on this issue continues unabated around the world.
Social media allows you to connect with friends, gain new information about the world, and self-actualize.
But it's where children are exposed to a myriad of dangers. From age-inappropriate content to intruders.
This issue is being discussed not only among parents. But also at the state level. And the first noticeable results have been obtained quite recently.
On December 10, 2025, Australia officially introduced age restrictions for social networks. For the first time in world history, the country's government banned the use of 10 popular sites for children and teenagers under 16.
Child safety on the Internet
Almost all psychologists talk about the influence of the Internet on children. Most experts and ordinary parents are convinced that children have nothing to do on social networks.
On the Internet, children can become victims of malicious behavior. And the younger the child, the worse the consequences can be.
Even adults sometimes can't understand who exactly is communicating with them online. What can we say about naive children?
Scammers get in touch with children through social networks and make them take out loans through their parents' phones or do other rash things. It is even scarier when a pedophile starts showing interest in a child on the Internet.
Children are not always able to correctly assess the situation and break contact with any suspicious persons in time. After all, their critical thinking is not yet fully developed.
Another danger is bullying.
It is social networks that often become a platform for group ridicule of children. Not all children can withstand the flow of negativity in their direction.
Emotionalism overlaps with inexperience and fear, and sometimes it all leads to the most tragic consequences. It's happened more than once.
Social media is not only evil.
There are children in them:
- catch up on the news
- explore the world around us
- socialize
- broaden horizons
- draw inspiration for creativity
- find support for their endeavors
In today's world, it is social media that can be a quick springboard to fame.
And for the current generation of teens, social media is a part of life.
Banning social media for children
Yes, the ban is already in effect.
10 world-famous sites have adopted Australian laws and restricted access through children's accounts. They will be blocked until the owners reach the age of sixteen.
Content created by children will also be removed from public access.
The only thing is that every second child can get around this ban in just a couple of minutes. And many children are even helped by their parents, who consider this ban excessive.
In any case, it makes no sense to ban social networks for all children. It is necessary to proceed from the peculiarities of each particular child.
Therefore, digital hygiene for children should be monitored by parents, not the government.
