Opinion | Social media restrictions and children
Summary
Governments globally debate social media restrictions for children to protect them from online risks, but challenges like data privacy, digital inclusion, and enforcement in countries like Nepal complicate these policies. Effective protection requires balanced regulation, digital education, and supportive communities.
Key Points
- Australia proposes strict social media age verification for under-16s, sparking global debate on online child safety.
- Nepal's 2025 social media ban failed as youth used VPNs and alternative platforms like Discord for political activism.
- Concerns arise over privacy risks from age verification methods involving biometric data and potential surveillance.
- Experts and youths argue that restrictions alone are insufficient; digital education and safe online environments are crucial for child protection.
