What teenagers have to say about social media ban

From endless scrolling to binge-watching reels of favourite icons, social media has become a defining part of adolescent lives. It is also a space where they can express themselves, connect with friends, and explore new ideas through platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. While it offers opportunities and creative space, it also raises some challenges, especially when it comes to mental health and online safety. These concerns have started a global debate, with Australia becoming the first country to ban social media use for children under 16 last year.

Now, India — where over 70% of children aged 14 to 16 have access to social media — is mulling joining these countries in curtailing children’s social media usage. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have come up with proposals to this effect, and several other states are considering similar ones. But, the important question remains, are bans the right way to tackle the problem? 

‘Our right to expression’

Regular readers of news know that several threats lurk within the social media world. From cyberbullying to scamming, fraudulent and illegal activities are rampant. Yet, social media is also a space where teenagers get exposure to information that they otherwise would not. It also gives them a space to express themselves, at an age when they are finding their voice. 

“In an international school such as mine, students move out to other countries frequently. Social media makes it easier to keep in touch with these friends,” says Zahra, a 15-year-old from Chennai. She says she is good at keeping digital boundaries, and can regulate the amount she spends online. “It does not interfere with my academics or other activities.” She is of the opinion that social media bans, despite good intentions, might limit opportunities for teenagers to communicate, learn about the world, and express themselves. 

Viraj Singh, 15, from Narwana in Haryana, concurs with this view. Instagram, he feels, has made learning more interesting by providing access to fun content on science, technology and current affairs. “If I could no longer use social media, I would miss the educational content and the opportunity to learn new things from different people around the world. I would also miss the ability to easily connect with friends and stay updated. 

Also Read | A social media ban will not save our children

Setting age-based limits 

In January, the Economic Survey, customarily released before the Union Budget, recommended that the government consider a nuanced, age-based limit for children to use social media. This assumes significance because though most social media platforms allow only children above the age of 13 to have an account, younger children manage access through their parents’ accounts. 

Limitations on screen time, stronger age-based verification systems, and thorough moderation of unsuitable content would be the correct way to go, says Viraj. Zahra feels many adults “assume” that teenagers only use social media to waste time. “But for a lot of us, it is a platform to sustain long-distance friendships, share ideas, follow news, and explore common interests.”   

Priyanshi Gupta, 15, from Kolkata, echoes these sentiments. “Many young people smartly use it to develop their tech skills, learn new subjects like editing and designing, and network with like-minded individuals.” Safe use, Priyanshi feels, will help teenagers develop skills and acquire information from around the world, sitting in the comfort of their homes. 

“A ban alone may not fully protect young people because many can still find ways to access social media. Real protection comes from multiple factors, such as education, parental guidance, responsible platform policies, and awareness about online safety”Maya Krishnan, 15

Fear of addiction 

The fear of addiction to social media, resulting in prolonged use, is palpable in the current society. Studies have indicated a strong correlation between prolonged social media exposure and various psychological disorders, particularly depression, stress and anxiety. Among teenagers, some of these studies report that there are other complications as well, such as disruption of sleep cycle, body image concerns, and extreme social competitiveness.    

“I have peers who are content creators, who lose their peace of mind just because their post did not get enough likes,” weighs in Priyanshi. “Then there are some others who get upset because an influencer they were following became inactive.” Experts say we cannot take the ill-effects of social media on young minds lightly. 

 “The calls in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to consider restricting social media for children under 16 are coming from a genuine concern about mental health,” says Dr Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Clinical Psychology, Marengo Asia Hospitals. “Adolescents are still developing emotional maturity and critical thinking. They may not yet have the ability to process online criticism, cyberbullying, or the pressure to present a perfect life online,” she says. 

But how practical is a ban, considering that today’s children, the digital natives, learn, communicate, and build friendships digitally? “This is where the conversation becomes more complex,” says Dr. Munia. “For today’s children, the digital world is not separate from their social life. Many friendships, school discussions, and group activities extend into online spaces. For them, the digital world is not separate from their social life.”

She says if children are completely cut off from these platforms, while their peers continue using them, they may feel socially disconnected. So, will a ban solve the problem? “The focus must be on teaching children to navigate digital spaces responsibly,” says Dr. Munia. 

Global exposure? 

For those who cannot afford international trips and cultural gatherings, social media is a free ticket to visually experience other places and cultures. Which is why certain viral music numbers from Malayalam may become a hit in Brazil, or an Indonesian number breaks the internet back home. 

 Violeta, 16, is a Spanish citizen currently living in Chennai. She tells us how social media has opened the doors for her to learn about different cultures and traditions. “When people post about their travel experiences, it broadens my horizon of knowledge on countries.” Violeta feels the best solution would be for someone to develop a social media app exclusively for children under the age of 16.   

“Yes, social media does give children early exposure to different cultures, ideas and global conversations. But we must also look at what kind of exposure children are getting. In practice, most of it is very fast, very surface-level and often not something they can fully understand or process,” says Dr. Munia. 

Further, such awareness can come from many places. “Books, conversations at home, school discussions, and even guided internet use can give that exposure. And sometimes, when the exposure is slower and more structured, the understanding is deeper.” Beyond online exposure, experts also worry about how excessive screen time is affecting children’s real-world experiences. 

What can parents and schools do? 

Dr. Munia says beyond teaching children to be digitally responsible, it is also important for parents, teachers, and guardians to be more involved in setting better routines. “I think discussions with top scholars among the teaching faculty could impart a deeper awareness regarding adverse social media use among children,” says Reshmi, a school principal based in Hyderabad.  “Since much of technology cannot be avoided, parents and teachers need to come together for the child to ascend to greater heights,” she says. 

“Parents must lead by setting the correct example for children with balanced and responsible technology use,” says Dr.Komal Manshani, Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Artemis Hospitals. “Gradual and supervised exposure to social media, along with building trust and maintaining open communication, makes it easier for children to share their online experiences and seek support if they encounter problems.” 

In a nutshell 

Society has perpetually been cautious of technology, and, often, for the right reasons. From parental locks on TV remotes to Net Nanny and Netflix Kids, the struggle to create exclusive safe spaces for children to consume content is constant and ever-evolving. Social media, however, is a microcosm of society and children deserve to have their space in that digital world. It is the responsibility of the adults to ensure that these spaces remain safe and secure. Denying them entry may not be the correct solution.  

(malavika.unnikrishnan@thehindu.co.in)