Banning social media for kids may not keep them safe online

Global governments are implementing various legislative measures to restrict social media access for minors, following recent actions in France and Australia. In France, new laws passed last January prohibit children under 15 from using these platforms. Similarly, Indonesia launched a child safety framework in March that prevents users under 16 from maintaining accounts on designated high-risk services. Despite these efforts, data from Australia indicates that enforcement remains difficult; while the eSafety Commissioner noted that 4.7 million accounts for those under 16 were restricted, one-fifth of Australian teenagers continued to access TikTok and Snapchat shortly thereafter.

These regulatory shifts highlight a growing tension between legislative intent and practical digital habits. While policymakers aim to enhance online safety, the difficulty in preventing underage access suggests that simple bans may not fully address the complexities of youth digital engagement. For organizations, these evolving legal landscapes may eventually necessitate adjustments to compliance frameworks or digital engagement strategies to align with tightening international safety standards.