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Australia's Teen Social Media Ban: India's Turn?
13 Dec
Summary
- Australia banned social media for under-16s from December 10, 2025.
- Companies face hefty fines for non-compliance with age verification.
- Indian users and experts debate practicality and cultural fit of a similar ban.
Australia has enacted the world's first national ban on social media access for individuals under 16, starting December 10, 2025. This legislation compels platforms to implement robust age-verification measures, with substantial fines threatened for violations. The ban aims to mitigate online risks like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, though its enforceability is questioned.
In India, the policy has ignited a fervent discussion. While some advocate for a similar ban to protect children from addiction and screen-related issues, others deem it impractical and culturally incompatible. Concerns are raised about India's large youth demographic, data accessibility, shared devices, and the educational use of platforms like YouTube.
Experts weigh in, highlighting both the potential harms of excessive social media use, such as comparison culture and shortened attention spans, and its benefits as a creative outlet and source of information. However, the unique socio-economic landscape of India presents significant challenges to implementing a direct copy of Australia's approach, suggesting a focus on digital literacy and structured usage may be more appropriate.
