Child safety experts are urging the Government to go beyond simply banning children from social media and instead introduce comprehensive online safety laws designed to better protect young people in digital spaces.
Advocates say growing concerns around harmful online content, cyberbullying, addictive platform design and exposure to exploitation require a broader regulatory response focused on platform accountability and child wellbeing.
The calls come as governments around the world continue debating tougher restrictions on social media access for children and teenagers, including age-verification systems and limits on addictive app features.
Experts argue that outright bans alone may not adequately address the risks children face online and warn stronger laws are needed to ensure tech companies design safer digital environments for young users.
Online safety advocates are calling for measures that would require platforms to take greater responsibility for harmful content, algorithm-driven recommendations, targeted advertising and features designed to maximise screen time among children.
There is also growing international momentum around introducing “duty of care” obligations that would force social media companies and digital platforms to actively reduce online harms affecting young people.
Researchers say concerns are increasing around the impact of social media on children’s mental health, self-esteem, sleep patterns and exposure to dangerous or exploitative material online.
Some experts are also warning that emerging technologies, including AI-powered platforms and chatbots, could create new online risks for children if stronger safeguards are not introduced.
Advocates say any future online safety laws should include:
- Stronger protections for children’s privacy
- Safer platform design requirements
- Greater transparency from tech companies
- Improved digital literacy education
- Better parental tools and controls
- Independent oversight and enforcement powers
The debate is expected to intensify as pressure grows globally for governments to hold major technology companies more accountable for the safety of children online.
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