Dr Farooq Peerzada
drfarooqpeer@gmail.com
As Ciggi companies managed to get by economical truth and did not expose to the public or users that its smoking has terrible dangers and health hazards , in the same manner, the social media companies, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X, Twitter, Reditte etc. did not disclose the negative impacts of it to the users. As the social media has started its draco and parlous designs, the world has come out to protect itself from its virulent onslaught especially upon the youth. Denmark has announced plans to ban social media for under-15s, whileas Norway is considering a similar proposal. A French parliamentary enquiry has also recommended banning under-15s from social media, and a social media curfew for 15- to 18-year-olds.The Spanish government has drafted a law which would require legal guardians to authorise access for under-16s. In the UK, new safety rules introduced in July 2025 mean online companies face large fines or even the jailing of their executives if they fail to implement measures to protect young people from seeing illegal and harmful content. Meanwhile, an attempt in the US state of Utah to ban under-18s from social media without parental consent was blocked by a federal judge in 2024.
Now Australia is the other country which has announced a strict ban for children who are under 16 to use major social media platforms like, Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snap chat, Reditte and Threads. They cannot set up new accounts and existing profiles are being deactivated. The ban is the first of its kind and is being watched closely by other countries whether it would succeed or not. The government says it will reduce the negative impact of social media’s design features that encourage young people to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and health and happiness.
A study it commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96% of children aged 10-15 used social media, and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content. This included misogynistic and violent material as well as content promoting eating disorders and suicide. One in seven also reported experiencing grooming-type behaviour from adults or older children, and more than half said they had been the victim of cyber bullying.
The Social Media in the panorama of digital era, stands as an enchanting needlepoint that weaves connections, information, and expressions together. It has indubitably, transformed our mode of communing and interacting with people nowadays. It has looped and reef knotted people and connected with each other in conduct and demeanour unimaginably,. It is emerging fairly trendy and popular because of its user-friendly features, like Facebook, Instagram, X, Twitter, YouTube which connect people in spite of distances. The youth is particularly, an aficionado of it, and makes much use of it. It’s unlimited use makes us to speculate that something so influential and prevailing cannot be always dainty and elegant. There are two faces of every entity, the same applies to social media.
The Social media is a boulevard to express, connect, learn, and share. It is not utterly appalling, but there are jeopardizes . The task social media is doing now was accomplished in earlier ages and times by disruptive elements such as race, colonialism, religion and political hullabaloo. The only divergence is that social media’s attain is extensive and its real-time dissemination of information creates instantaneous reaction and comments. Its impact is so much now, and if we feel of antidote to restrict its ruinous brunt on the society, we have to deem ourselves in a catch-22 situation. Its muscle is its candidness and autonomous style where the King/ prince and the impecunious have the same privileges to craft content and that too without any associated care to impose control.
Moreover, the people are unfriendly now with newspapers and books. They have assumed dependence on social media news circulation. We are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. Besides, it fortifies bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. One can easily communicate with friends and relatives overseas. Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too. Another lead definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a device for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.
When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a tool for imparting education. All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media. Moreover, live lectures and coaching for exams like UPSC, JKAS, NEET, JEE, JRF, NET etc, are now possible because of social media. One can attend a lecture delivered in Delhi while being in Jammu and Kashmir. Albeit of possessing exclusive reimburse, social media is considered to be one of the most detrimental facet of society. If the use of social media is not controlled, it can lead to atrocious consequences. It is hurtful because it invades your privacy like never before. The over sharing on social media makes children victims of vice.
The Social media has both upbeat and downbeat impacts on society, including all important spheres of life. Though it can increase access to information, political participation, and civic engagement,, transparency and accountability in government and politics. However, it can also be used to spread fake news and misinformation, which can distort facts and manipulate public opinion. It can provide access to information, educational resources, and networking opportunities. It can also be a platform for self-expression and activism. However, social media can also be a source of cyber bullying and distraction from studies and create mental disturbance and heath riddles.
Can the curfew or ban on social media work, is to conjectured up and wheezed while observing its positive and negative features ?
Follow our WhatsApp channel
