Explainer

Can a Social Media Ban for Kids Work? Australia Is the Test Case

Various social media apps.Photographer: Anna Barclay/Getty Images

For years, governments have relied largely on platform-led safety tools to manage children’s use of social media. That approach has come under growing scrutiny.

As evidence of harm has accumulated, governments are increasingly considering bans on social media for children. In Europe, more than 10 countries are weighing such bans, as is the European Union.