The role of social media in children’s lives is coming under increasing scrutiny, as governments, courts and parents grapple with the risks associated with younger users spending time online.

Late last year, Australia introduced a world-first mandatory ban on social media for children under 16 to protect young users from harmful content and addictive algorithms. The law forces platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat to use age verification, with fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance.

What was once a private concern for families has now become a broader public debate, with policymakers in countries such as Switzerland and Austria exploring stricter regulations. Proposals under consideration include tighter age limits and potential bans for younger users, reflecting growing unease about how platforms are used by children.

Part of the concern centres on a rising trend where parents create and manage social media accounts on behalf of their children. While often intended to be controlled and harmless, experts warn that even closely monitored accounts cannot fully eliminate exposure to harmful interactions or unwanted attention.

Public sentiment is also shifting towards the influence of major technology companies. Around 78 per cent of respondents in recent surveys believe firms such as Meta and Google hold excessive control over what people see online. This perception has been reinforced by a recent court decision in Los Angeles, where a jury found both companies responsible for contributing to harm experienced by younger users.

Kids social media (Image: Sourced from Unsplash)

The ruling is seen as a significant moment, signalling that legal systems may be more willing to hold platforms accountable for how their services are designed and operated. It also increases pressure on companies to demonstrate stronger safeguards, particularly for children and teenagers.

At the same time, questions remain about how far regulation should go. While governments argue that stricter rules are necessary to protect young users, critics caution that increased oversight could blur the line between safety measures and excessive control.

The issue highlights how social media has evolved from a space for casual interaction into a powerful force with broader social and psychological implications. As evidence of potential harm continues to build, the debate over responsibility, regulation and user protection is expected to intensify.