New Delhi: As Denmark plans to ban social media for children under 15, the issue has sparked a debate thousands of miles away in India, dividing classrooms, living rooms and staff rooms alike. Australia introduced a similar ban last year for users under 16, citing mental health concerns and the impact of constant online engagement. India’s social media audience, according to a 2025 report, remains “massive and still growing”, even as some global platforms report dips in user numbers elsewhere. For a country where nearly half the population is under 25, the debate isn’t just about technology, it’s about childhood, freedom and the future.In Delhi’s schools, opinions are far from uniform. “Social media is a double-edged sword,” admitted Meenu Kanwar, principal of Amity International School, Mayur Vihar. “Yes, it exposes children to risks, but it also connects them to learning and creativity. The real issue is not the platforms themselves, but fake identities and lack of age verification. Govt should focus on enforcing stronger checks, not blanket bans. These spaces can be valuable tools when used right.”For Jas Elanjikal, principal of St Michael’s Senior Secondary School, Pusa Road, the idea of a total ban seems not just impractical but counterproductive. “Human nature dictates that the more you restrict something, the more appealing it becomes,” she said with a laugh. “Instead of locking children out, let’s teach them how to navigate responsibly. Social media can be a window to the world — if we give them the tools to use it wisely.“Not everyone, however, sees it as a harmless playground. Rooma Pathak, principal of MM Public School in Pitampura, felt the dangers outweighed the advantages. “Unsupervised exposure is deeply harmful,” she argued. “We’ve seen rising cases of cyberbullying, mental health struggles, even self-harm, linked to online behaviour. Children’s eyes, minds and emotions are all strained by prolonged screen time.” There’s useful information online, but also deceitful, damaging content, she pointed out, adding that “we cannot pretend that children can always tell the difference”.The conflicting opinions among educators mirror a generational tension between control and empowerment, a tension that students themselves are also aware of. “Banning social media for kids is like banning ice cream because of brain freeze,” said Aastha Mathur, a Class VIII student who spends time on art and short videos online. “It helps us learn and connect. We just need some guidance and time limits. Parents should teach us how to use it safely. Don’t cut the cord, just add a filter.”Another Class VII student, Anamika, agreed. “Social media can definitely expose children to bad influences, but it also helps us learn and express ourselves. We should have healthy boundaries.”Class XI student Tannu, however, believed the drawbacks loomed larger. “It harms our mental health and distracts from studies,” she argued. “Many children can’t control how much time they spend scrolling. It affects sleep, focus and confidence. I’d rather see kids spend time outdoors or in hobbies that help them grow.”Parents felt that a total ban might not be the solution. “It will only push children to find hidden ways around it,” said Ramya Srivastava, a parent of two teenagers. “As parents, we can’t just confiscate their phones; we have to be part of their digital lives. The real challenge is teaching them how to use social media wisely, not fear it.”Across these voices runs a common undercurrent: everyone acknowledges the power of social media, what divides them is how to harness it.
