A recent survey by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australian children aged 12-15 who previously had accounts on restricted platforms still retained access to at least one account. | Photo: iStock/ Getty Images
Australia introduced a landmark ban on social media usage for children under 16 in December 2025. This was due to concerns about the impact of social media on the mental and physical health of children.
Months after the ban came into force, there are conflicting reports on whether it was effective. A recent survey by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australian children aged 12-15 who previously had accounts on restricted platforms still retained access to at least one account. Seven in ten said it was easy to bypass the restrictions, while over half reported that the ban had made no difference to how safe they felt online. At the same time, half the respondents said they were spending less time online, suggesting some early behavioural changes.
In India, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a similar ban on social media usage by children under the age of 16. Previously, Andhra Pradesh’s Information Technology and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh has said that the State government is contemplating imposing a ban on access to social media for children below 16 years. Welcoming the move, Telugu Desam Party national spokesperson G. Deepak Reddy said Mr. Lokesh has rightly highlighted the serious concern surrounding the impact of social media on the mental health and safety of children.
Should India follow Australia’s lead? Can age-verification systems really keep children off social media? Will a ban protect young users? Are there any alternative measures to the issue at hand?
The Hindu will host a webinar titled, ‘Social media ban: Will the Aussie model work for India?’, on August 10, 2026, Monday, at 5:00 p.m. Register now for free to ask questions and interact with the panellists. The three best questions will receive a free online subscription to The Hindu.
Panellists
Professor Himanshu Joshi, IMI Delhi
Professor Himanshu Joshi is a Professor at IMI New Delhi with nearly two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and industry. Before joining IMI, he worked with organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNAIDS.
His teaching and research interests include Information Systems, Electronic Commerce, Knowledge Management, Enterprise Systems, Big Data, and Analytics. Professor Joshi has also undertaken research on young internet addicts and the implications of excessive internet use on their social well-being.
Aniha Brar, Dean of Student Life & Learning, Nayanta University
Aniha Brar has over 25 years of experience in education, communications, and media. She was a part of the founding team of the Young India Fellowship and played a central role in shaping Ashoka University. Currently, she serves as the Dean of Students and Undergraduate Programme at Nayanta University. Prior to joining Nayanta she was the Dean of the Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office at Ashoka, where she oversaw strategic initiatives, student affairs, and academic governance. She also helped shape the Writing programme at the Young India Fellowship and has taught Critical Writing. Aniha has previously worked as a television producer, during which she produced award-winning content for channels such as ESPN and Sony Entertainment. She has also edited and written for publications.
(For any feedback or suggestions, reach out to us at education@thehindu.co.in)
Published – August 05, 2026 04:54 pm IST
