The debate about banning children's social media has intensified. Could it really become a reality in the near future?

In the past, alcohol and tobacco were not as strictly prohibited by law as they are now. Laws were created only after society recognized the issues and understood the dangers to children. There are claims that social media is following a similar trajectory.

On the surface, social media is seen as a "communication space for children," but in reality, it significantly impacts mental health and often leads to issues like comparison and addiction. It is common for children to start using it for fun and then find themselves spending most of their day on social media. The realization of its dangers often comes too late, resembling the experiences with e-cigarettes or alcohol and tobacco.

As a result, the atmosphere is gradually changing around the world.

This year, Australia announced a ban on social media use for those under 16, becoming the first country to do so.

Denmark is following suit, pushing for a complete ban for those under 15, while also considering allowing usage from age 13 with parental consent. This strong regulatory push from European countries is unprecedented, leading to discussions that "within the next five years, several countries may adopt a ban on social media for minors as a fundamental policy."

The problem is that most social media platforms already state "no registration for those under 13," but this is not effectively enforced. A study in Denmark found that 98% of those under 13 already had social media accounts, and nearly half of children under 10 were using social media. This means there are regulations, but no one is checking compliance.

The content children are exposed to is becoming increasingly provocative. A 14-year-old student reported accidentally encountering a shooting video in their feed on the way to school. They are confronted with shocking and adult content without having chosen to see it.

Parents are also starting to wonder, "Did we allow this too easily?" They gave smartphones to their 8 and 10-year-olds, but the devices are not just simple playthings; they are complex worlds filled with provocative algorithms, a culture of comparison, consumerism, and adult content. They have allowed their children into this environment without fully understanding it.

Therefore, Denmark plans to implement a digital age verification system next year, making it necessary to verify age for social media logins. Just as one would be turned away at a club for being underage, there will be an "entry prohibited" situation online as well.

Of course, there are opposing views. From the children's perspective, they complain that "suddenly their online communication with friends is cut off," and some experts argue that "restricting children's expression and participation opportunities is excessive." Nowadays, social media serves not just as play but also as a source of information, news, and community, leading to ongoing discussions about whether complete bans are the right solution.

However, realistically, the current algorithms of social media are too much for children to handle.

Addiction, declining self-esteem, cyberbullying, exposure to provocative content, and privacy issues all come at once.

And for parents, it is too large and fast-paced a system to control manually.

Thus, starting with Australia and Denmark, several countries like Malaysia and Norway are joining the trend of 'youth social media regulation.' China has long imposed strict limits on children's smartphone usage at the national level.

Ultimately, the atmosphere being formed now is this: "Children need stronger protections from social media than from e-cigarettes."

At the current pace, it is highly likely that within five years, "bans or strict limitations on social media for minors" will become an international standard. Just as alcohol and tobacco regulations were slow to be legislated, social media may soon be redefined as a "platform for adults."

Children need protection, and that protection is now urgently needed online as well.