Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 has sparked growing concern about the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health and overall well-being. Since the legislation was approved in 2024, several other countries have begun introducing or considering similar measures.

These initiatives reflect increasing concern among policymakers, researchers, and civil society groups about the link between children’s well-being and social media activity. Various studies suggest associations between heavy platform use and higher levels of depression, anxiety, negative body image perceptions, and reduced self-esteem. Some lawmakers also point to broader trends such as rising feelings of loneliness and hopelessness among young people. However, there is still uncertainty about whether such bans will effectively reduce excessive social media use among minors.

Globally, one survey found that 65% of people support banning children under the age of 14 from using social media. This included majorities in 29 out of 30 countries surveyed, with Germany as the sole outlier.

In response to the growing influence of digital platforms in everyday life, Azerbaijan is advancing legislative amendments aimed at regulating children’s access to social media and defining clearer responsibilities for platform operators. The proposed framework focuses on establishing age-based restrictions, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with national legal requirements in the digital environment.

At the core of the legislation is the recognition that social media has become deeply integrated into communication, education, and entertainment, but also carries risks for minors. These risks include exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content, online harassment, manipulative behavior, and other forms of psychological........

© AzerNews