Calls grow for South Africa to ban social media for under-16s

In December, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

This week, France moved to follow Australia's lead, with MPs there voting in favour of banning under-15s from certain sites.

But experts are still debating the effectiveness of the move.

Supporters warn that action needs to be taken to tackle deteriorating mental health among young people, but others say the evidence is inconclusive and want a more nuanced approach.

ALSO READ: UK, France mull social media bans for youth as debate rages

“I do think social media bans will help with some risks in terms of earlier exposure, maybe giving schools and families time to build a sense of digital literacy,” says education specialist Dr Sally James.

However, she also doesn't believe that these bans fully reflect the realities and complexities of the situation.

James says these are deeper issues and ones we need to get to the bottom of.

"It's really adding to a layer of emotional labour, and I'm not sure we always understand that additional layer for our adolescents."

James warns that many young people, especially girls, are seeking validation through 'likes' and 'reposts'.

"There's no doubt [they] really become a measure of value; it's not just about do people like me, but do people like me publicly?"

James suggests strengthening partnerships between parents and schools and, where possible, ensuring that rules on cellphone and social media access align between the two.

"When a school says we're putting phones away or restricting access to certain media sites, we need families and parents to align and support and advocate for that as well."

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To listen to James in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: