Can a social media ban protect young users?

Article excerpt

Britain has announced a social media ban for anyone under 16, joining a growing list of countries attempting to shield young users from online harms. The policy raises thorny questions: Can such bans actually be enforced when teenagers access platforms through VPNs and workarounds? Do age restrictions address the real problem, algorithmic design and data collection, or merely create an illusion of protection? Other nations including Australia and France have pursued similar measures, yet evidence on their effectiveness remains mixed. The debate pits child safety advocates against free-speech concerns and tech companies' business models.