Why blanket bans are not the answer to keeping children safe online

Prof. Syed Munir Khasru

South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
November 27, 2027

Link:

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3288039/why-blanket-bans-are-not-answer-keeping-children-safe-online

The proliferation of social media platforms and digital tools has provided children with vast opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. However, alongside these benefits comes a growing set of challenges.

The online space, particularly social media, seems to be increasingly fraught with dangers for children, ranging from cyberbullying to sexual exploitation. Striking a balance between the benefits of digital tools and protecting children from online risks is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Online educational platforms provide tools that foster learning, while social media helps children engage with a global audience and break geographical barriers. Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram serve as creative outlets, enabling young people to share their talents and build communities around common interests.

For marginalised children, including those in rural areas or with disabilities, the internet can be a lifeline which offers access to resources, education and networks previously unavailable. Social media can provide a sense of belonging, especially for teenagers, and help them to engage in conversations on topics they care about, from climate activism to mental health awareness.

According to the Disrupting Harm project, children are extremely vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse on social media platforms. Perpetrators exploit the anonymity and reach of these platforms to target children, using tactics such as grooming, blackmail and non-consensual sharing of explicit material. Vulnerable groups face even greater risks as they can lack access to safe disclosure environments, exacerbating the psychological toll of exploitation and abuse.

The issue is further compounded by socioeconomic and cultural factors. Children from low-income families can lack digital literacy, leaving them ill-equipped to recognise or respond to online threats. Victims of online exploitation can experience feelings of shame, anxiety and depression.

Research suggests that children who face one form of harm online are more likely to encounter others, creating a cycle of vulnerability. This highlights the importance of early intervention and inclusive approaches to online safety.

Governments worldwide have introduced policies aimed at safeguarding children online. Australia recently proposed a ban on social media use for children under 16 which has garnered both support and criticism. Singapore’s new social media code, introduced by the Infocomm Media Development Authority, requires platforms such as TikTok and Facebook to remove harmful content and provide child-specific safety measures.

South Korea’s gaming restrictions offer a cautionary tale. Despite implementing strict limits in 2011 to curb children’s gaming time, the measures were largely ineffective and ultimately removed as children found ways to bypass the restrictions. Similarly, the European Union’s parental consent requirements for underage social media users are not always adequately enforced, raising questions about their efficacy.

However, restrictive policies risk driving harmful behaviours underground, making it harder for parents and educators to identify and address issues. Such measures risk alienating young people, who could view them as intrusive and dismissive of their autonomy.

One of the most compelling arguments against outright bans is the role of digital literacy in mitigating online risks. Children with higher digital skills are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the online world by identifying harmful content, blocking abusive users and reporting exploitation.

In contrast, children with limited digital literacy risk being overwhelmed by online risks and less able to seek help. Digital literacy programmes can empower children to become proactive participants in their online experiences. Such programmes could include lessons on recognising grooming behaviours, understanding privacy settings and fostering healthy online interactions.

For many young people, social media is both a source of entertainment and a platform for learning, activism and even employment. Content creation has emerged as a viable career path for tech-savvy youth, with platforms such as YouTube and TikTok offering monetisation opportunities.

Social media also provides space for advocacy, enabling young people to amplify their voices on issues ranging from climate change to mental health. Given its multilayered role, social media cannot be dismissed as merely a source of risk. Instead, policies should aim to maximise its benefits while minimising harm.

Initiatives such as the UN Global Digital Compact provide valuable guidance on addressing online safety by emphasising collaboration from all stakeholders. Recommendations include implementing child rights impact assessments, developing strong reporting mechanisms and promoting restorative approaches for children affected by online harm.

The Disrupting Harm project highlights the importance of evidence-based policies. By collecting comprehensive data on online exploitation, the project provides insights into effective interventions such as context-specific solutions that account for cultural, socioeconomic and technological differences across regions.

Platforms such as Meta and TikTok have introduced measures such as content moderation and AI-driven detection tools to identify and remove harmful material. These efforts often fall short, as evidenced by the persistence of exploitation and abuse on their platforms. Greater accountability is needed, including stricter enforcement of community guidelines and transparency in addressing user complaints. Innovative solutions such as age-appropriate design features and parental control tools also hold promise.

While safeguarding children from harm is paramount, it is equally important to respect their right to access information, express themselves and participate in digital culture. Excessively restrictive measures risk stifling creativity and innovation, depriving children of opportunities the digital age offers. Children need to be equipped with tools and knowledge to safely navigate the internet.

This requires a collective effort which brings together policymakers, educators, parents and tech companies to create a digital world where children can thrive. While the benefits of technology should be accessible, effectively managing risks is the only way to strike the delicate balance between risk and reward in a child’s digital world.