What is particularly pertinent is that this so-called legislation bans social media access to all people under 16 years; this will be an improper and counter productive approach to the wider problem that surrounds online safety and mental health. While it is important to protect young people from harm due to cyberbullying, exploitation, and misinformation, this blanket ban disregards the benefits social media gives in the way of education, communication, and community building. For the current generation, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are the basic instruments of learning, self-expression, and friendship. Taking away these resources from an entire age group runs the risk of removing them from the digital world, which is ever more central to educational and social life.

Rather, the focus should be on digital literacy, developing safer online spaces, and equipping parents and educators with tools necessary for guiding responsible use of social media. Indeed, better parental controls, increased regulation of algorithms used by the platforms, and rigorous age-based content moderation are far more measured ways forward that can tackle the heart of the problems without denying today's youth the benefits of the platforms. Educating the youth through campaigns in critical evaluation of online content and how to safely interact online could empower them into acting responsibly on social media and preparing them into adulthood in a digital era.

Rather than prohibiting the use of social media for anyone under the age of 16, it would be about time that governments and organizations collaborate on other ways that can balance safety with the need for preservation. These may include introducing mandatory classes on online safety in schools, the use of age verification by social media platforms, and more strict protections for minors, among others. Additionally, this would involve promoting research into the effects of social media on the mental health of children, as a way to inform evidence-based policies. Secondly, opening up channels of communication about the potential risks and benefits of social media within the population of children, parents, and educators may build mutual trust and encourage responsible usage habits. The proactive measures, on one hand, address root concerns and on the other hand, ensure that young people can navigate the digital landscape effectively.

A ban could inadvertently make young people move towards unregulated or underground platforms-even less safe. History has repeatedly shown that prohibition often drives behaviour out of sight, making it harder to monitor and manage risks. This is indeed more efficient work: to collaborate with parents, schools, and social media companies in setting up a framework that protects young users but also considers their right to participate in online spaces. A nuanced supportive approach would work out far better than a ban in terms of the mental well-being and safety of the youth.