As countries worldwide implement stricter age restrictions on social media use for children, experts in South Africa are calling for a similar approach. Linique Hanekom from the North West University's Centre for Health and Human Performance says an age limit of 16 should be considered, but it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that involves parents, schools, government, and technology companies. Hanekom suggests that an age restriction should be referred to as a "limit" rather than a "ban".
The debate on social media age restrictions gained momentum after Australia became the first country to introduce a national minimum age of 16 for certain social media platforms. Indonesia and the United Kingdom have also implemented or plan to implement similar restrictions. The European Union has proposed a comprehensive set of rules, including limiting children's access to social media, online games, and artificial intelligence assistants. The proposed EU Children's Law would allow children aged 15 to create their own social media profiles, while 13- and 14-year-olds would only be able to use limited accounts with parental consent.
Hanekom emphasizes that an age restriction alone is not enough to protect children online. She highlights that the issue is not just about the harmful content children may be exposed to, but also about what screens may prevent them from doing. For younger children, human interaction is crucial for development, and screens can hinder this. For older children, social media can exacerbate issues such as social comparison, fear of missing out, and cyberbullying. Hanekom also notes that algorithms can expose children to content on self-harm, eating disorders, and sexual or violent material.
Sleep is another significant concern, according to Hanekom. Late-night screen use, constant notifications, and endless content can make it difficult for children to disconnect. Poor sleep can affect attention, memory, learning, behavior, and emotional regulation. Online harassment is also a concern, as it can follow children home and persist 24/7. Children may also be vulnerable to online recruitment, scams, misinformation, and dangerous challenges.
Hanekom advises that South Africa should study international approaches but not blindly follow them. Any local policy should take into account unequal access to technology, digital literacy, education, and data costs. She also notes that age verification raises privacy concerns, and determined teenagers may find ways to circumvent restrictions. Hanekom suggests that parents, schools, and government should work together to create a safe online environment for children.
Hanekom recommends that parents can delay giving their children social media profiles, keep cell phones out of bedrooms at night, and model healthy digital habits. Schools can establish phone-free periods and promote media literacy. The government should require safe settings for children, effective parental controls, and greater transparency around recommendation systems. Technology companies should limit harmful content and manipulative design features.
Ultimately, Hanekom emphasizes that technology should be a part of childhood, not a replacement for it. Children need sleep, play, movement, books, imagination, friendships, conversations, and responsive adults. She encourages parents to take responsibility for their children's online safety and to work together with schools, government, and technology companies to create a safer online environment.
Key points
- An age restriction of 16 for social media use should be part of a broader strategy to protect children online.
