Talks of banning social media for kids have been growing globally. Australia’s under-16 ban starting in December set the tone and snowballed into a broader movement. Denmark and France have both passed bills to ban social media for kids under 15-years-old, while Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are actively exploring and considering similar measures. And these efforts go beyond simple “Are you 13+?” pop-ups on social media apps. Countries are pushing for stricter age verification systems, real enforcement, and personal accountability from tech executives for harmful content in the process. In the U.K., they’re testing what these kinds of bans could look like with a government-led trial where teens will experience everything from full bans to overnight shutdowns and strict daily limits. However, what they may find is that teens will simply find a way around them. Critics are raising concerns that teens are resourceful, and restrictions could push them toward less regulated spaces online rather than off social media entirely. Others argue the real issue isn’t access,...
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