Following Australia, many countries are now preparing to ban social media for children. Britain has now sought public advice on such legislation.

Britain is also preparing to ban social media for children.

Like Australia, social media access for children in Britain may now be restricted. Like Australia, children under the age of 16 may be banned from using social media . The government has initiated public consultations regarding this matter. The government will amend existing laws to regulate children's use of social media platforms, and new laws may be implemented in the next few months. Besides Britain, countries like France, Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are also working on similar legislation.

The government is also eyeing AI chatbots.

Along with social media, the British government is also keeping an eye on AI chatbots. A new Online Safety Act was enacted in Britain in 2023 regarding online safety, which is considered the strictest digital safety law in the world. It does not cover one-to-one conversations with AI chatbots . Now, the latest laws are preparing to fill this gap. Technology Minister Liz Kendall said that AI chatbots are affecting children. Some children are forming direct relationships with AI systems, even though these systems were not designed for children.

Why is social media being banned for children?

Given the harmful effects of social media, it is being banned for children. Research after research reveals that social media use is contributing to problems like anxiety, depression, insomnia, cyberbullying, and lack of concentration in children. Furthermore, persistent social media use is also linked to weight gain. Consequently, governments in one country after another are preparing to ban it.