Global Increase in Laws Restricting Children's Access to Social Media
Introduction
Several countries are now introducing or proposing new laws to stop children under the age of 16 from using social media services.
Main Body
The Indonesian government has started enforcing rules that ban children under 16 from using digital platforms. This move aims to reduce risks such as cyberbullying, addiction, and illegal content. Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized that platforms must report account suspensions publicly to ensure transparency. While TikTok has already deactivated 1.7 million accounts, other platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have agreed to follow the rules, whereas Roblox has not yet agreed. However, digital rights groups like SAFEnet argue that letting platforms choose their own verification technology could threaten data privacy and fail to solve the root causes of online harm. Similarly, in India, the state of Goa is finishing a proposal to restrict social media use for those under 16. IT Minister Rohan Khaunte asserted that these restrictions would reduce the pressure on parents and encourage young people to focus on education. Although the Digital Personal Data Protection Act already requires parental consent for children under 18, there is currently no national ban. Other Indian states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, are also considering similar laws. These regional efforts follow a global trend, as Australia has already implemented restrictions and countries like France, Spain, and the UK are considering similar legislation.
Conclusion
Governments in Southeast Asia and South Asia are increasingly adopting age-based restrictions for social media, following a trend already seen in many Western nations.
Learning
⚡ The 'Contrast Pivot' Strategy
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using only 'but' to show differences. B2 speakers use Contrast Pivots to connect complex ideas. This article gives us a perfect map for this upgrade.
🛠️ Upgrade Your Connectors
| A2 Style (Simple) | B2 Style (Advanced) | Example from Text |
|---|---|---|
| But | Whereas | ...Instagram have agreed to follow the rules, whereas Roblox has not yet agreed. |
| But | However | ...However, digital rights groups... argue that... |
| But | Although | ...Although the Digital Personal Data Protection Act already requires parental consent... |
🧠 Why this matters for your fluency
- Whereas is used for a direct side-by-side comparison (Platform A vs. Platform B).
- However is a 'reset button.' It starts a new sentence to introduce a conflicting opinion.
- Although creates a 'concession.' It acknowledges one fact is true, but shows that a different, more important fact exists.
🔍 Vocabulary Bridge: From 'Doing' to 'Implementing'
Notice how the text avoids simple verbs like 'start' or 'make'. To sound more professional (B2), replace your basic verbs with these Action-Drivers found in the article:
- ❌ Start a rule ✅ Enforce a rule
- ❌ Make a law ✅ Implement restrictions
- ❌ Say strongly ✅ Assert / Emphasize
- ❌ Stop ✅ Restrict / Deactivate