We urge the Government of India to consider introducing responsible social media policies for children under 16, inspired by Australia’s recent Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. This law bans children under 16 from creating accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, aiming to protect them from online harm such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content.

1. Protecting Young Minds: Social media platforms expose children to harmful content and online predators, affecting their mental and emotional well-being.
2. Accountability for Tech Companies: By mandating age-verification systems, companies would be held responsible for ensuring underage users cannot access their platforms.
3. Focus on Safety: Strict regulations can reduce cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of misinformation among minors.
   At the same time, India must ensure:

Exemptions for educational and healthcare apps to maintain access to essential resources.
Collaboration with educators and parents to foster digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
By adopting a similar policy, India can create a safer digital environment for its youth while setting a global precedent for online safety.

Sign this petition to advocate for stronger online safety laws for children under 16 in India!