Britain's top medical officials have warned that social media for children is as dangerous as smoking cigarettes, and have urged lawmakers to address the harms arising from increased online usage among young people.
According to doctors' research, children are experiencing psychological trauma and even physical injuries from witnessing violence, extremism, and obscene content online.
More than half of the surveyed doctors explained that they encounter cases of children's health being affected by technology and devices on a weekly basis.
To address this problem, the British government is gathering public opinion on banning social media use for children under 16, restricting usage time, and prohibiting addictive technologies.
Technology Minister Lisa Nandy has stated that restrictions or bans on social media for children under 16 will necessarily be implemented.
Currently, many British families are testing how bans and time restrictions on social media affect children's sleep, family life, and schoolwork.
However, there are differing views among experts about how effective a complete ban would be.
Additionally, a group of young people in London have expressed disagreement with such restrictions, according to Reuters.
Among countries worldwide, Australia was the first country to ban social media use for children under 16 last year, and European countries are also considering implementing similar restrictions.
Ref: Bangkokpost
