To ban or not to ban: Will social media curbs for children work?

India is aligning with a global movement to implement restrictions on social media access for minors, aiming to create a safer online environment for children. The initiative comes in response to growing concerns over the negative impacts of social media on young users, including exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying. However, experts caution that the practical enforcement of these measures may present significant challenges. Issues such as age verification and monitoring compliance could undermine the effectiveness of these restrictions. While proponents argue that such bans are necessary to protect the mental health and safety of minors, skeptics highlight the difficulty of enforcing these rules in a digital landscape where children often find ways to bypass restrictions. This debate over social media regulations reflects broader questions about the balance between safeguarding youth and preserving freedom of expression online. As India navigates this complex issue, the potential implications for social media companies, parents, and children are significant, warranting careful consideration and dialogue among stakeholders.