The debate comes as Britain considers policy options similar to a landmark law introduced by Australia, which imposed a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16.

Policymakers across Europe and other regions are examining comparable restrictions amid growing concerns about the mental health impact of algorithm-driven platforms on children and teenagers.

In the United Kingdom, the government has launched a public consultation seeking views on potential regulations, including possible age limits for social media accounts.

The consultation process will remain open until May, inviting contributions from educators, parents, technology companies, researchers and young people themselves.

Yet interviews with students in south London suggest that while many teenagers are aware of the psychological and social risks of social media, they do not believe an outright ban would solve the problem.A complicated relationship with social media Teenagers across Britain describe social media as both indispensable and problematic. Platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok play a central role in how young people communicate, maintain friendships and explore interests.

Students interviewed in Wimbledon said these platforms allow them to meet new people, share creative work and stay connected with global conversations. For some, social media even serves as a form of stress relief during demanding academic schedules.

Sixteen-year-old Sumiksha Senthuran said casual scrolling can offer a break from exam revision and school pressure. Others described how social media allows them to build confidence and express their identity through videos, posts or blogs.Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Alayande said platforms help young people “relate with other people” and develop communities around shared interests.

Used responsibly, she said, social media does not have to be a waste of time.But the benefits come with clear drawbacks.Many teenagers acknowledged that the same platforms designed to foster connection can also expose users to harmful content, bullying or unrealistic expectations around appearance and lifestyle.

Joelle Azebaze Ayangma, 18, said that body image comparisons on TikTok can undermine self-esteem. “When you see other girls on TikTok, you kind of want to look like them,” she said, adding that such content can have a damaging psychological impact.The pull of algorithm-driven platforms Teenagers also said the design of social media platforms encourages excessive use.

Seventeen-year-old Awand Khdir recalled spending up to eight hours a day scrolling through TikTok during the summer. Although he has since reduced that time to three or four hours daily, he acknowledged that the habit can be difficult to break.

“Doom scrolling is an issue on its own,” he said, noting that some content can be questionable or misleading.Experts say this experience reflects the broader dynamics of digital platforms. According to Amy Orben, the impact of social media varies widely among young users.

Some teenagers face serious risks from online harassment or harmful content, while others rely on social media as an essential tool for communication and learning.“The online world, like the offline world, is very complex and its impacts will be very dynamic,” Orben said.

Platforms highlight safety featuresMajor technology companies say they have introduced safeguards designed to protect younger users.Snapchat said its platform includes protections for teenagers aged 13 to 17, including private accounts by default and limits on public profile access for younger users.

Instagram has introduced “Teen Accounts,” which offer stronger content controls and parental supervision tools. TikTok, meanwhile, has implemented automatic screen-time reminders, including a default 60-minute daily limit and prompts encouraging users to log off after 10 p.m.

However, many teenagers say these controls can be easily bypassed.Several students interviewed said young users often find ways around restrictions, including changing settings or creating alternative accounts.

Debate over the effectiveness of bansWhile many parents and politicians support stricter regulations, researchers caution that outright bans may not be effective.Industry data suggests that even after Australia introduced its under-16 ban, a significant share of teenagers continued to access social media platforms.

Experts say such findings highlight the challenge of enforcing digital restrictions among a generation that has grown up online.Julia Davidson, an expert on child online safety, said policymakers may face practical difficulties implementing a ban for teenagers who already maintain extensive online networks.

“Fourteen and fifteen-year-olds have grown up with social media,” she said, raising questions about how restrictions could realistically be enforced.Teenagers themselves expressed similar concerns.Leah Osando, 17, said a ban might simply push young people toward less visible areas of the internet.

“Even if children get banned, they’ll go onto the dark web or use a VPN,” she said.Others said restrictions could drive teenagers toward platforms with weaker safety controls.Ali Raza, 16, said social media helps him communicate with family members overseas, highlighting the importance of digital platforms for maintaining global connections.

A call for safer design rather than bans Some researchers argue that governments should focus less on banning social media and more on improving the safety of online environments.

Sonia Livingstone said policymakers risk choosing the wrong solution by focusing solely on age restrictions.She described bans as “a very blunt hammer to crack a nut,” arguing instead for stronger regulation of technology companies and algorithmic systems.

Livingstone said governments should require “safety by design” measures that protect children without cutting them off from the digital world.The issue, she suggested, may lie not with access itself but with how platforms operate.

Algorithm-driven feeds can amplify addictive behaviors, promote unhealthy comparisons or direct users toward harmful content.Researchers say such systems are designed to capture attention and maximize engagement, a business model that can be particularly powerful for young users.

“These are commercial platforms,” Orben said. “They are designed to harness attention, and young people increasingly say they struggle to get off.”The future of youth and the digital world.

The debate in Britain reflects a broader global conversation about how societies should regulate technology used by children and teenagers.

Governments across Europe, North America and Asia are exploring policies ranging from stricter age verification to stronger parental controls and platform accountability measures.

For teenagers themselves, the issue remains deeply personal.Many recognise that social media can contribute to anxiety, distraction and unhealthy comparisons. At the same time, they see it as an essential part of modern life, enabling friendships, creativity and access to information.

As Britain’s consultation process continues, policymakers face the challenge of balancing these competing realities.Teenagers say the solution may lie not in banning social media outright, but in making it safer and more responsible.

Their message is clear: the digital world may be imperfect, but for a generation raised online, it is impossible to simply switch it off.

Policymakers, technology companies, and international organizations are increasingly debating how to balance innovation with safeguards for society.The global debate gained momentum after the landmark legislation introduced by the European Union known as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.

The law, considered the first comprehensive attempt to regulate artificial intelligence globally, establishes strict rules governing how AI systems can be developed, deployed, and monitored across the bloc’s 27 member states.

Under the new framework, AI systems are classified according to risk levels. Applications deemed “high risk,” such as facial recognition, healthcare algorithms, and financial decision-making tools, must comply with stringent transparency and safety requirements. Companies that violate the rules could face significant financial penalties.

European officials say the regulation is intended to ensure that AI technologies are trustworthy and aligned with democratic values. Supporters argue that clear rules will protect consumers while still allowing innovation to flourish.

However, the law has also sparked intense debate within the technology sector. Major technology firms such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft have warned that overly strict regulations could slow technological progress and reduce competitiveness compared with regions that adopt more flexible approaches.Despite these concerns, many governments view regulation as increasingly urgent.

The rapid rise of advanced generative AI tools capable of producing human-like text, images, and videos has raised fears about misinformation, election interference, and digital fraud.In the United States, policymakers are working on their own approach to AI governance.

While the country has not yet introduced a single comprehensive law similar to the EU’s framework, the administration of Joe Biden has issued executive orders requiring federal agencies to establish safety standards for advanced AI models.American regulators are focusing particularly on issues such as national security, intellectual property rights, and the potential misuse of AI-generated content.

Lawmakers have also begun examining how artificial intelligence could affect labor markets and whether new policies will be needed to protect workers.Across Asia, governments are also moving quickly to shape the future of AI development. In China, authorities have introduced rules requiring companies to register generative AI systems and ensure that content produced by those systems aligns with national regulations.

Chinese officials argue that such oversight is necessary to maintain social stability while still promoting technological innovation.At the same time, technology competition between global powers is intensifying. AI has become a strategic priority for governments seeking economic growth, technological leadership, and military advantages.Experts say the race to dominate artificial intelligence could reshape global power structures in the coming decades.

Countries that successfully develop advanced AI capabilities may gain significant advantages in industries ranging from healthcare and finance to defense and cybersecurity.However, the technology also raises profound ethical questions. Researchers have warned that poorly regulated AI systems could reinforce existing social biases, compromise privacy, or generate convincing but false information on a massive scale.

International organizations such as the United Nations have called for greater global cooperation to address these challenges. Some policymakers are advocating the creation of international standards or oversight mechanisms similar to those used in nuclear energy or aviation safety.

The debate is particularly intense in sectors where AI is already transforming daily life. In healthcare, machine learning systems are being used to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases and analyzing medical images. While these tools have the potential to improve patient outcomes, regulators worry about accountability if algorithms make errors.In the financial industry, AI-powered systems are increasingly responsible for making lending decisions, detecting fraud, and managing investments.

Regulators fear that opaque algorithms could create systemic risks if their decision-making processes are not properly understood.Education is another sector undergoing rapid change. AI tools capable of generating essays, solving complex problems, and tutoring students are becoming widely available. While educators recognize their potential benefits, they also worry about academic integrity and the long-term effects on learning.

Technology companies themselves have acknowledged the need for safeguards. Many firms are investing heavily in research aimed at improving AI safety, transparency, and accountability.Executives at leading technology companies argue that collaboration between governments and the private sector will be essential. They emphasize that artificial intelligence is evolving so quickly that regulatory frameworks must remain flexible enough to adapt to new developments.Economists believe the stakes are extremely high.

Artificial intelligence is expected to transform productivity and economic growth across multiple industries. Some studies suggest that AI could add trillions of dollars to the global economy over the next decade.At the same time, automation driven by AI may disrupt traditional employment patterns. Jobs involving routine or repetitive tasks are particularly vulnerable, raising concerns about how workers will adapt to the changing economic landscape.

Governments are therefore exploring policies aimed at supporting workforce transitions. These include retraining programs, education reforms, and investments in emerging industries that could create new employment opportunities.Despite the challenges, many experts remain optimistic about the technology’s potential.

Artificial intelligence could accelerate scientific discovery, improve public services, and help address global challenges such as climate change and disease.Yet the pace of technological change means that decisions made today will shape how AI affects society for decades to come. Policymakers face the difficult task of encouraging innovation while also protecting citizens from potential risks.The coming years will likely determine whether the world can develop a balanced framework for governing artificial intelligence.

As governments, companies, and researchers continue to debate the best path forward, the global race to define the future of AI is only just beginning.

The policy was signed in Jakarta by seven ministers and is designed to guide the use of digital technology and AI across formal and informal educational institutions, from early childhood education to universities.

Officials said the measure aims to balance the potential benefits of digital innovation with safeguards to protect children and teenagers from risks associated with prolonged exposure to digital platforms.

Indonesia has one of the world’s largest online populations, with nearly 230 million internet users in 2025, according to a survey by the Association of Indonesian Internet Service Providers. Generation Alpha and Generation Z together account for nearly half of that figure.

Government officials said Indonesian children spend about 7.5 hours per day on screens, raising concerns about the social and cognitive effects of prolonged digital engagement.

Pratikno, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, said the decree was introduced partly in response to growing concerns about mental health issues among young people.

“There are a lot of factors but the number of teenagers with mental health issues are high and continue to increase, and one of the suspected triggers that have been proven academically is the uncontrolled, unmitigated use of digital technology,” Pratikno said.

He added that excessive reliance on digital tools could weaken brain activity and reduce critical thinking, cognitive development and reflective abilities among students.

The policy also seeks to promote responsible digital use and strengthen digital literacy among young Indonesians.

Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, said the initiative was intended to ensure that children are able to use technology in a way that reflects their level of readiness.

“Indonesia has a significant number of children using the internet. Therefore, we must ensure that they are not only a target market for the technology industry, but also able to utilize technology according to their readiness,” she said.

The decree was also signed by officials including Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti, reflecting a cross-government approach to regulating digital technology in the education sector.

The new charges will apply to advertisements shown on services operated by the company, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and will be calculated based on where the audience is located rather than where the advertiser is based, according to a notification sent by the company to advertisers.

The policy means businesses outside Europe, including brands from the Middle East and North Africa, will incur additional costs when running campaigns targeting users in markets such as United Kingdom, France or Italy.

The decision follows a broader trend among major technology companies that have begun passing on the cost of European digital services taxes to advertisers, a move that reflects growing regulatory pressure on global digital platforms operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Under the new pricing structure, advertisers will pay a surcharge depending on the country where the ad is viewed. Ads targeting users in the United Kingdom will carry a 2% location fee, while campaigns reaching audiences in France, Italy and Spain will incur a 3% charge.Higher surcharges of 5% will apply to advertisements delivered to audiences in Austria and Turkey.

In a communication sent to advertisers, the company provided an illustration of how the system will operate. A campaign delivering $100 worth of advertising to users in Italy, where the location fee is 3%, would result in a total charge of $103 before the application of any value-added tax.

“Note that any applicable VAT will be calculated on top of the total amount,” the company said in the message to advertisers, according to the notification initially reported by Bloomberg.

By tying the surcharge to the viewer’s location rather than the advertiser’s headquarters, the policy ensures that companies targeting consumers in affected European markets will pay the additional costs regardless of where their business is registered or where advertising payments originate.

The changes could affect a wide range of businesses that rely on digital advertising to reach European consumers, including brands from the Middle East that have expanded their presence in European retail and travel markets.

Companies in sectors such as fashion, tourism, hospitality and media increasingly use targeted social media advertising to reach audiences across borders. For businesses headquartered in countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt, the additional charges represent another cost factor in campaigns that already involve complex budgeting across currencies, markets and regulatory environments.

Advertising on social media platforms has become a central component of international marketing strategies, particularly for brands seeking to engage consumers in multiple regions simultaneously. The introduction of location-based fees adds a further variable to the cost structure of such campaigns.

Because the surcharge applies automatically based on the user’s location, advertisers targeting several European countries within a single campaign could face different effective costs depending on the geographic distribution of their audience.

The surcharges are designed to offset digital services taxes introduced by several European governments in recent years. These taxes are typically calculated as a percentage of revenues generated by large digital platforms within a specific country.The measures were introduced as national governments sought to capture a share of the economic value generated by multinational technology firms operating within their borders.

Countries such as France began implementing digital services taxes as early as 2019, arguing that existing international tax frameworks did not adequately account for the revenues global technology companies earn from local users and advertising markets.

Although the European Union has debated broader tax reforms for the digital economy, most digital services taxes currently in force are implemented at the national level rather than across the bloc as a whole.

Technology companies have long argued that such taxes disproportionately target U.S.-based firms and could lead to higher costs for businesses using digital advertising services.

The United States government has previously criticised digital services taxes imposed by European countries, saying the measures unfairly single out American technology companies with large global footprints.

Meta’s decision mirrors similar policies adopted by other large technology platforms.

Companies including Google and Amazon have also introduced mechanisms that pass the cost of European digital taxes onto advertisers or sellers using their platforms.Industry analysts say such measures reflect the growing financial impact of regulatory policies affecting the global digital economy.

Advertising remains the core revenue source for Meta, whose platforms collectively serve billions of users worldwide and provide businesses with targeted marketing tools that allow advertisers to reach audiences based on demographics, interests and geographic location.

As governments around the world expand taxation frameworks for digital services, global technology firms have increasingly adjusted pricing structures to reflect those obligations.The introduction of location-based surcharges highlights the complex relationship between digital platforms, national tax policies and international advertisers that rely on global online networks to reach consumers.

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the policy change.