A blanket ban may be insufficient; instead, a mix of regulation, digital literacy, and community programmes is needed to protect young users
By Zahid Ahmad
Social media has become a powerful force influencing the lives of minors across different societies, including regions that face unique social and political challenges. While these platforms create opportunities for creativity, learning, and communication, they also expose children to a digital environment that is often unregulated and psychologically demanding. Research across the world indicates that prolonged exposure to online content contributes to emotional stress, reduced concentration, altered sleep patterns, and a decline in meaningful face-to-face interactions. The curated images and unrealistic lifestyles frequently presented on these platforms can intensify feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and competitive pressure among young users who are still developing their sense of identity and self-worth.
The recent decision by Australia to prohibit social media use for individuals below the age of sixteen has drawn international attention to the risks associated with digital overexposure. The policy is based on growing evidence showing an increase in anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties among minors who spend significant time on social media platforms. The Australian government highlighted the impact of sophisticated algorithms that often direct harmful or inappropriate content toward children. This global development has reopened discussions about how nations should regulate digital spaces that increasingly influence the behaviour and development of young people.
These concerns hold particular relevance for Kashmir, a region where children and adolescents experience distinctive social and psychological pressures. Over the past decade, minors in Kashmir have turned to social media not only for entertainment but also for connection during long periods of school closures, restricted mobility, and heightened uncertainty. Limited outdoor activities, frequent periods of curfew or disruption, and the absence of stable community-level engagement have contributed to a growing dependence on digital platforms. Social media has therefore become a substitute space for interaction, expression, and coping, yet this dependence has made young users more vulnerable to online risks.
Reports from mental health professionals in Kashmir indicate a noticeable rise in anxiety, irritability, loneliness, and emotional instability among children who spend excessive time online. The spread of misinformation, exposure to disturbing visuals, and easy access to unverified content can further intensify fear and confusion among minors. In some cases, online spaces have amplified social comparison, peer pressure, and bullying, which contribute to long-term emotional distress. The unstable nature of internet access in the region has also shaped inconsistent and sometimes unhealthy digital habits, with minors often consuming large amounts of content in short, intense periods whenever connectivity is restored.
In this context, the question arises whether a policy similar to the Australian model could help safeguard young users in Kashmir. Age-based restrictions might reduce exposure to harmful content and encourage healthier offline engagement. However, the practical implementation of such restrictions would require a careful and context-specific approach. Effective regulation would call for robust age verification mechanisms, greater accountability from technology companies, and enhanced awareness among parents regarding the psychological effects of prolonged screen time. Schools in Kashmir could play a critical role by integrating digital literacy into the curriculum and guiding students toward responsible online behaviour.
A complete prohibition may not fully address the underlying challenges faced by minors in Kashmir. Instead, a balanced strategy that combines age-appropriate regulation with educational and community-based interventions may offer more sustainable results. Community centres, counselling services, and structured recreational programs could help reduce children’s dependence on social media by providing safe spaces for social interaction and emotional expression. Strengthening parental guidance and promoting open communication within households could further support minors in navigating the digital world responsibly.
The global conversation sparked by the Australian decision underscores the need to reassess how children in Kashmir are engaging with digital spaces. As social media continues to shape their emotional landscape, cognitive development, and social relationships, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that digital exposure does not compromise their well-being. Whether through regulation, education, or collaborative initiatives involving families, schools, and community institutions, the protection of young minds must remain a central concern. In a region already marked by complex socio-political realities, safeguarding the digital experiences of minors is essential for nurturing a healthier and more resilient generation.
The writer is a research scholar at the University of Kashmir
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