Australia’s landmark decision to ban children under 16 from using social media is attracting global attention, with many countries expected...
AFP spoke with teenagers and adults around the world to gauge their reactions as the ban takes effect on Wednesday.
Mumbai: Nothing is black or white
At Mumbai’s seafront, 19-year-old student Pratigya Jena was scrolling Instagram with friends and said a partial ban could make sense.
She highlighted that Gen Z is thriving on social media, particularly young entrepreneurs, but cautioned that exposure to adult content at a young age can be harmful.
Cricket coach Pratik Bhurke, 38, suggested Australia’s decision could encourage children to spend more time outdoors and could bring similar benefits if adopted in India.
Berlin: Help to detox
In chilly Berlin, 13-year-old Luna Drewes was watching TikTok clips and felt the ban could be beneficial, noting that social media often promotes unrealistic beauty standards.
Fifteen-year-old Enno Caro Brandes admitted he could not imagine giving up social media completely, describing a full ban as extreme, though he agreed it could serve as a useful detox.
Doha: Really stupid
In Doha, 16-year-old Firdha Razak was scrolling through videos, including one of an AI-generated baby, and opposed the ban.
She noted that it could make communication with family members living abroad more difficult. Another teen, 16-year-old Youssef Walid, described the ban as harsh and questioned its practicality, adding that VPNs and new accounts could easily bypass the restrictions.
- Lagos: 'We were born with it' -
At a Nigerian high school, Mitchelle Okinedo is revising for exams, checking over her hand-written notes. In the classroom -- where phones are banned -- students in uniform sit at separate desks.
"I see where the (Australian) government is coming from. Students nowadays, they are really distracted," Okinedo said.
Even so, "we were born with it", the 15-year-old added. "And I don't think it's something I want to stop."
Her mother, 50-year-old event planner Hannah Okinedo, agrees with a social media ban for under-16s, saying most parents "don't have time to monitor their children all day".
Mexico City: 'Express yourself
Young Mexico City resident Aranza Gomez, 11, has had a smartphone with access to social media for one year.
Without it, "I would honestly feel sad. I wouldn't really have a good way to spend my time," she said.
Santiago Ramirez Rojas, 16, is sitting on a bench in the Tabacalera district, scrolling through posts containing news about Argentina and tour dates for a musician.
"Social media today is very important for expressing yourself, no matter how old you are," said Rojas.
But "there are many kidnappings that begin online" and "younger kids, around 10 or 12, are much more vulnerable".
Sydney: 'Not going to have any impact
In Australia one family has diverging ideas on how the law will go.
"I don't think the government really knows what they're doing and I don't think it's going to have any impact on children of Australia," said 15-year-old Layton Lewis.
But his mother Emily Lewis hopes it will help children "have better, more authentic relationships".
"They'll make proper plans, like we used to, to meet up with their friends face-to-face and have proper conversations as opposed to these illusive friendships online," she said.
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