Social media emerges as threat to children's mental health worldwide

Modern research is increasingly confirming that social media use among children is damaging their cognitive abilities. Unrestricted access to digital platforms has become a silent threat to younger generations, affecting their mental health, thinking capacity, and learning processes.

Doctors, psychiatrists, and surveys from multiple countries are sounding the alarm. Children as young as primary school age are now absorbed in YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, often because parents hand them devices to keep them occupied.

In the latest episode of On My Radar, Kamran Khan discussed these developments, warning that children are becoming digital addicts at an increasingly young age.

Mounting research

A University of California study published in JAMA found that hours of daily social media use impacts children's focus, learning capacity, and social behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend, as online learning pushed millions of children onto digital platforms for the first time.

Australia has become the first country to impose a complete social media ban for children under 16. The legislation, passed in November 2024, required companies to block all underage accounts by December 10, 2025.

According to the World Health Organization, problematic social media use among young children rose from 7% to 11% between 2018 and 2022, based on a study of 280,000 children across 44 countries.

A 2025 IPSOS survey across 30 countries found that 74% of parents support a complete social media ban for children under 14. Malaysia will require identity verification for social media accounts starting January 2026. New Zealand has introduced a bill banning social media for children under 16. China has implemented a Minor Mode limiting children's screen time and blocking access at night.

Balancing act

In Pakistan, senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahsan introduced a bill in July 2025 to ban social media for children under 16 but withdrew it on the advice of party leadership.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has acknowledged that social media is harmful for children. Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris, Musk admitted he never restricted his own children's access but now considers that a significant mistake.

Khan noted that the question is no longer whether restrictions should be imposed, but which model will be most effective. Parents must limit screen time, monitor online activities, and encourage children toward healthy activities such as reading, sports, and arts to ensure social media does not hinder their development.