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A teenager in Kenya wakes up and checks their phone before speaking to anyone. Not all, but many. Within minutes, they are exposed to violence, sexualised images, and algorithm-driven content they did not choose. At the same time, that same phone is how they study and stay connected to the world.
That contradiction is driving governments to consider a bold response: banning social media for children under 16. The risks are real. But the solution is far more complicated than it first appears.
“Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful.” Is what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12. That warning captures the tension at the heart of digital childhood. Social media is not simply good or bad.
Australia has implemented a world-first law banning under-16s from major social media platforms with penalties of up to A$49.5 million for companies that fail to comply. The UK is preparing similar restrictions expected to take effect in 2027. But whether removing access achieves that aim remains contested.
