Fireproofing digital spaces

Conversations on social media regulation for children must focus on practical measures

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday said his government will ban children under 16 years of age from social media, unveiling plans for a new law that he hopes to get enacted by the end of the year. This marks a watershed moment in how democracies are approaching the challenge of protecting young minds in the digital age. The move resurrects crucial questions about making digital spaces safer-questions that deserve renewed attention in India-despite concerns about practical enforceability.

The scientific consensus on social media's impact on children has only strengthened in recent years-from compromised physical activity to stunted psychosocial development, the price of unrestricted access is steep.