For this article:

9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceScience & TechnologyEDITORIAL

Social Media Bans: Ineffective, Undemocratic, and Harmful for Indian Girls

Blanket social media bans are ineffective, undemocratic, and exacerbate gender inequalities in India.

Social Media Bans: Ineffective, Undemocratic, and Harmful for Indian Girls

Photo by Aquib Akhter

Editorial Analysis

Social media bans are ineffective, undemocratic, and harmful, particularly for girls in India. A more nuanced approach focusing on regulation and digital literacy is needed.

Main Arguments:

  1. Bans are technically porous and easily circumvented.
  2. Bans ignore the complexity of adolescent development and the potential benefits of social media.
  3. Bans disproportionately affect girls from lower-income households.
  4. There is a democratic deficit in making policy for young people without consulting them.

Counter Arguments:

  1. Politicians, parents, and pundits demand swift action after tragedies.
  2. Bans offer a comforting illusion of control.

Conclusion

Social media bans are not the answer. We need a healthy media ecology, robust regulation, and digital literacy initiatives to protect young people.

Policy Implications

The government should abandon censorship and focus on digital competition laws, duty of care obligations for Big Tech, and independent expert regulators. Public funding for research on social media's impact on children is also crucial.

The article argues against social media bans for adolescents, citing their ineffectiveness, undemocratic nature, and potential harm to girls in India. It references the Ghaziabad suicide case and Australia's ban on under-16s on social media. Bans are technically porous, leading to VPN use and unmoderated platforms.

They ignore the complexity of adolescent development and lack input from young people. A ban would disproportionately affect girls from lower-income households, limiting their internet access and social mobility. The article advocates for digital competition laws, duty of care obligations, and independent regulation.

It also calls for research on social media's impact on children and consistent regulation of AI.

Key Facts

1.

Australia passed a law in 2024 prohibiting anyone under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms.

2.

The Australian law is enforced through mandatory age verification and backed by fines of up to $50 million (Australian).

3.

On February 3, 2026, the Prime Minister of Spain announced plans to ban social media for those under 16.

4.

Data from the National Sample Survey show that only 33.3% of women in India reported having ever used the Internet, compared to 57.1% of men.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Social Justice, Governance

2.

Connects to fundamental rights, government policies, and regulatory frameworks

3.

Potential question types: analytical, statement-based, critical evaluation

Visual Insights

Key Arguments Against Social Media Bans

Highlights the main reasons why the article argues against social media bans for adolescents.

Ineffectiveness of Bans
Porous

Bans are easily bypassed using VPNs, leading to use of unmoderated platforms.

Impact on Girls from Lower-Income Households
Disproportionately Affected

Bans limit internet access and social mobility for girls from lower-income households.

More Information

Background

The debate around social media regulation is not new. Historically, governments have grappled with balancing freedom of expression and the need to protect vulnerable populations. The concept of parens patriae, where the state acts as a guardian for those who cannot protect themselves, often arises in these discussions. Over time, different approaches to social media regulation have emerged globally. Some countries have focused on content moderation and platform accountability, while others have considered outright bans or age restrictions. The legal framework surrounding online speech is complex, involving considerations of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). Key legislation relevant to this discussion includes the Information Technology Act, 2000, which provides the legal framework for electronic transactions and addresses cybercrime. The Act has been amended over time to address emerging challenges related to online content and intermediary liability. The role of the judiciary in interpreting these laws and safeguarding fundamental rights is also crucial.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on strengthening the regulatory framework for social media platforms. The proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 aim to enhance platform accountability and address concerns related to misinformation and harmful content. These rules also emphasize the importance of user safety and grievance redressal mechanisms. There are ongoing debates regarding the effectiveness and potential impact of social media bans. Some argue that bans are necessary to protect children and prevent the spread of harmful content, while others contend that they are ineffective and may violate fundamental rights. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations, industry representatives, and policymakers, have expressed diverse perspectives on this issue. The role of NITI Aayog in fostering discussions and providing recommendations on digital policy is also significant. The future outlook involves exploring alternative approaches to social media regulation that balance the need for user safety with the protection of fundamental rights. This may include promoting digital literacy, strengthening content moderation practices, and fostering greater transparency and accountability among social media platforms. Consistent regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also crucial to address the challenges posed by AI-generated content and algorithms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key arguments against social media bans for adolescents, as highlighted in the article?

The article argues that social media bans are ineffective because they are easily bypassed with VPNs, undemocratic as they limit freedom, and harmful, especially to girls from lower-income backgrounds by restricting their access to information and opportunities.

2. What are the key facts and figures related to social media usage in India, according to the article?

According to the National Sample Survey, only 33.3% of women in India have ever used the Internet, compared to 57.1% of men. This highlights the existing digital divide.

3. What is the 'parens patriae' concept and how does it relate to the debate on social media regulation?

Parens patriae is the doctrine where the state acts as a guardian for those who cannot protect themselves. It's relevant in the social media debate as some argue the state should protect children from potential harm online.

4. What are some alternative solutions to social media bans suggested in the article?

The article suggests digital competition laws, duty of care obligations for platforms, independent regulation, research on social media's impact, and consistent AI regulation as alternatives to outright bans.

5. How might a social media ban disproportionately affect girls in India?

A ban could disproportionately affect girls from lower-income households by limiting their access to the internet and hindering their social mobility, as they may have fewer alternative resources.

6. What are the recent developments in social media regulation mentioned in the article?

The article mentions proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which aim to enhance platform accountability and address misinformation.

7. What are the key dates and events related to social media bans mentioned in the article?

Key dates include December 10, 2025, when Australia's social media ban for under-16s came into force, and February 4, 2026, when three sisters ended their lives in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, an event cited in the context of the debate.

8. What is Australia's approach to social media bans, and how is it enforced?

Australia passed a law in 2024 prohibiting anyone under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The law is enforced through mandatory age verification and backed by fines of up to $50 million (Australian).

9. What is the opinion of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, on social media for young people?

On February 3, 2026, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, announced plans to ban social media for those under 16.

10. What are the potential pros and cons of social media bans for adolescents?

Pros include potential protection from cyberbullying and harmful content. Cons include limiting access to information, social connection, and educational resources, disproportionately affecting girls and those from lower-income backgrounds.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Information Technology Act, 2000: 1. It provides the legal framework for electronic transactions in India. 2. It addresses cybercrime and defines penalties for various cyber offenses. 3. It explicitly prohibits social media platforms from hosting any user-generated content. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Information Technology Act, 2000 provides the legal framework for electronic transactions and digital signatures in India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Act addresses cybercrime and prescribes penalties for offenses like hacking, data theft, and spreading viruses. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The IT Act does NOT explicitly prohibit social media platforms from hosting user-generated content. It focuses on intermediary liability and requires platforms to take down illegal content when notified.

Source Articles

A social media ban will not save our children - The Hindu

The Hindu·9 Feb 2026

‘Technology, policy and people must converge to protect children online’ - The Hindu

The Hindu·9 Feb 2026

Keeping children safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids - The Hindu

The Hindu·9 Feb 2026

Social media for children: To ban or not to ban - The Hindu

The Hindu·9 Feb 2026

Social media and young minds - The Hindu

The Hindu·9 Feb 2026

GKSolverToday's News