The Australian government has recently passed a new law that sets a minimum age limit of 16 years for users of popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram and even X. This law aims to protect young minds from the pervasive internet culture and mitigate cyber risks like cyber-bullying, predatory behaviour, and rampant misinformation.
India, with a substantial proportion of its population below the age of 16, is confronted with this question – should it follow suit and pass a similar law?
The digital age we are living in offers children a plethoraously vast ocean of information, possibilities and networks via the internet. Social media platforms are the new playgrounds – a place where they can voice opinions, foster friendships, showcase their talents and even learn new skills. However, the darker side of these platforms manifests in the form of cyberbullying, mental health issues, illicit content, and elaborate scams.
Australia’s decision to keep children off these platforms until the age of 16 is grounded in these pressing concerns. It ensures that the children are mature enough to navigate the layers of the digital world safely and responsibly, keeping potential hazards at bay. This step underlines the government’s endeavour to shield and preserve the innocence of children in an environment fraught with potential threats.
India is, undoubtedly, a digital superpower. According to Datareportal’s analysis, India has 624 million internet users in 2021, and with its youngest population, the figure is set to soar. Social Media has become a part of Indian households as the country is the world’s second-largest online market, ranked only behind China.
But such a law poses several challenges in a dynamic and diverse country like India. While it is necessary to protect younger users from the malicious aspects of social media, it is also crucial to strengthen the digital literacy of this bold new generation. In India, where social media is leveraged for education and learning more and more every day, a ban might stunt the growth and transformation that such platforms bring about.
However, it is also worth investigating whether a blanket age restriction could be effective. Could it inadvertently push children towards more secretive and thus potentially dangerous internet activities? The portrayal of social media as something ‘forbidden’ for kids below a certain age, might only fuel their curiosity and result in covert use without any parental guidance or control.
Instead of a general age restriction, a more structured approach might be beneficial. The government could work towards strengthening cyber laws, spreading awareness about social media’s potential dangers, and emphasizing responsible and safe use of these platforms. Additionally, technology companies could be made accountable to ensure their platforms are safe for users below a certain age.
In conclusion, while on the surface it may seem like an excellent move to simply impose an age limit, it will be critical for India to evaluate the potential harms and benefits meticulously. It doesn’t have to be an ‘either/or’ scenario; it can be a balanced approach, considering the socio-cultural implications in a country where internet usage varies significantly across urban and rural regions as well as socio-economic classes. An optimal solution should ensure the safe integration of young users into the digital world, without suppressing their opportunities to learn and grow.
