Asia and Europe Expand Bans on Teen Social Media
Countries are restricting children’s access to social media, with Indonesia the latest to enact limits for kids under 16. Australia, Malaysia, and Denmark have already introduced measures as concerns grow across Europe and Asia. Critics, however, question whether bans are effective, calling for stronger regulation of tech companies.
REPORTER:
Nine-year-old Anza Zafran Utama spends hours on his phone each day, playing games. But the Indonesian fifth-grader's life could soon change, as the country moves to restrict access to online games and social media for children under 16.
Zafran’s mother is welcoming the change.
REPORTER:
Indonesia is just the latest country to limit or outright ban social media for young people. Australia led the charge last year. Countries like Malaysia and Denmark soon followed while similar proposals are underway across Europe.
It comes amid a broader discussion about the effects of social media platforms on children. As big tech companies push out algorithms that keep young users glued to their screens, new concerns are mounting over health and safety.
World leaders say the risks facing children are not limited to any one country.
REPORTER:
The rethinking about kids and social media is not limited to regulations and bans. Just this month, a landmark ruling in the US found Google and Facebook parent company Meta liable for harm to young users.
Activists accuse the platforms of intentionally addicting young people and impacting their mental health.
REPORTER:
But while many politicians and parents back a ban, critics question its efficacy.
Two months after Australia's ban, data shows that one-fifth of users under 16 were still using the platforms.
Some say countries should instead pressure tech companies to build safer platforms.
REPORTER:
Taiwan is watching all these changing policies. Officials here have introduced limits on the use of devices in schools but they haven’t taken any further steps to limit access to social media.
REPORTER:
And elsewhere, the debate is far from settled.
As more countries test restrictions, the key question remains: can they really protect children online?
