Australia’s recent decision to consider a ban on social media for children under 16 has sparked global debates on the impact of screen time and digital exposure on young minds.

Singapore’s government has even engaged in discussions with Australia to assess the effectiveness of such age restrictions. While the intention behind the ban may seem well-meaning, it raises important questions about how we should truly protect children in an increasingly digital world.

At first glance, according to a commentary published by Channel News Asia, banning social media might appear to be a surefire solution to combat issues like cyberbullying and harmful content.

However, as we look deeper, we must ask ourselves — Are we focusing too much on the digital platforms themselves while ignoring the larger digital ecosystem our kids navigate daily?

Children today aren’t just glued to social media — they are also immersed in gaming, streaming, and other digital experiences. Simply banning one aspect of this exposure may only push kids to more covert forms of digital engagement.

The challenge of digital exposure

While social media often steals the spotlight in discussions about children’s screen time, it’s important to recognize that kids are interacting with digital content in many different ways.

From mobile gaming to YouTube videos, children are constantly engaged with digital distractions that shape their development.

A blanket ban on social media, while offering short-term protection from cyberbullying and inappropriate content, fails to address the broader question of how we prepare children to responsibly navigate the digital world.

After all, no single ban can truly protect children from every form of harmful online content.

Instead of cutting kids off, we should focus on fostering digital literacy, teaching them the skills needed to make informed decisions about what they engage with online. This approach may not be as simple as a ban, but it is likely to be far more effective in the long run.

A holistic approach to child development

Research shows that excessive screen time can impair cognitive development, delay executive function, and contribute to issues such as obesity and myopia.

Studies also indicate that children exposed to screens excessively at as young as 12 months can experience long-term effects, including impaired focus and delayed cognitive milestone...