New Zealand plans to prohibit social media for under-16s, citing mental health concerns.
FO Take · Score 25
Shielding children from social media is a futile exercise. True digital literacy means engaging with, not isolating from, online platforms. This ban stunts critical thinking and denies young people agency in navigating the complex digital world. We must teach discernment, not impose ignorance. The next generation needs tools, not walls, to thrive online.
The strongest counter
Protecting impressionable minds from algorithms and harmful content is paramount. Children require safe spaces to develop offline before facing the pressures of constant digital comparison and exposure. It is a necessary intervention.
