Curtailing social media use among children

Calls to restrict access to social media inevitably raise alarm bells, and for good reason. Any attempt to ban or limit content on the internet must be approached with extreme care. History shows us that such measures can easily slide into censorship, eroding freedoms in ways that are difficult to reverse. 

Sri Lanka, in particular, has a dark and complicated history with internet censorship, often justified under broad and loosely defined banners such as national security and public morality.

During the years of civil war, censorship introduced in the name of national security frequently extended beyond its stated purpose. What began as an attempt to control sensitive information soon encompassed political websites and online commentary that were merely unflattering to those in power. In the years since, social media platforms themselves have periodically been restricted, ostensibly to maintain public order, but often with the side effect or the intent of curtailing political dissent.

Yet it would be irresponsible to allow this history to paralyse us in the face of mounting scientific evidence. The global body of research examining the impact of social media and excessive internet exposure on children is growing, and its conclusions are increasingly difficult to ignore. Numerous studies now link heavy social media use among children and adolescents to increased anxiety, depression, attention disorders, sleep disruption, and impaired social development. The issue is no longer one of anecdote or moral panic, it is one of public health.

Recognising this, several countries have taken decisive action. Some have introduced age-based bans on social media platforms, while others have imposed strict limits on mobile phone use in schools. These decisions have not been taken lightly, nor should they be. They have followed extensive research, consultation with educators and mental health professionals, and careful consideration of long-term societal impacts. Importantly, these measures are targeted and specific, focusing on protecting children rather than exerting broad control over online spaces.

Phone and internet addiction is now a recognised phenomenon affecting people of all ages. However, banning or severely restricting internet access for adults is neither viable nor desirable in a modern society. Adults can, at least in theory, make informed choices about their digital habits. Children cannot. Their brains are still developing, their impulse control is limited, and they are far more susceptible to the addictive design features deliberately built into many social media platforms.

It is therefore both prudent and necessary to ensure that children are spared the worst effects of these new technological developments. This is not about shielding them from the modern world, but about allowing them to engage with it at an age and in a manner that does not compromise their mental health, education, and social development. Schools, in particular, should remain spaces for learning, interaction, and concentration, not extensions of the attention economy.

Crucially, any policy to curtail social media use among children in Sri Lanka must be grounded strictly in science and available data. It must not be driven by anecdotal evidence, moral posturing, or vague appeals to altruism. Clear age thresholds, transparent enforcement mechanisms, regular policy reviews, and independent oversight are essential to prevent abuse and mission creep. Just as importantly, such measures must be accompanied by digital literacy education for parents, teachers, and children alike.

Sri Lanka’s past teaches us to be cautious about censorship. The present, however, demands that we be equally cautious about inaction. When credible science points to real and lasting harm, the responsible course is not denial, but carefully designed intervention.