Implementing stricter social media age restrictions in AfricaImplementing stricter social media age restrictions in Africa

Last November, the Australian legislature passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which will come into effect towards the end of this year.

The new law will now prevent Australians under the age of 16 from having accounts on social media platforms, such Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X, and punish social media platforms for systemic breaches with fines of up to $49.5 million Australian dollars (US$30.5 million).

As a result, the legislation has prompted discussion about whether similar rules should be implemented in African countries.

According to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, the new legislation is aimed at ensuring young people are protected online.

The law followed robust consultations with parents, young people, carers and experts, who showed an overwhelming support for the Bill.

Viability of social media age restrictions in Africa

From a policy point of view, there hasn't been much talk about implementing age restrictions on social media platforms in Africa so far.

There are over five billion social media users across the globe, and Africa has an estimated 400 million active social media users, with only about 53% of those aged below 25 in Africa connected to the Internet at all. As a result, governments across Africa have not been so keen on imposing age restrictions on social media access on a continent where Internet penetration remains under 40 percent, making social media a privilege rather than a norm.

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Over the past few years, social media platforms have transformed from being purely interactive to becoming business portals used as an income source for many, particularly young people in Africa.

Social media platforms are also being used for accessing information, acquiring educational resources and digital skills development.

Feasibility of stricter age restrictions

According to Brent Janse van Vuuren, MD of South African-based Social Media 101, social media is now an expansive platform that can influence the political, social and economic spectrum of any entity.

"Social media is a powerful tool for change. Young Africans are using it to drive activism, innovate, and collaborate. It's helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and amplifying critical social and political issues," said Janse van Vuuren.

However, he said that although social media is having some positive impacts for young people, digital literacy is a fundamental aspect.

"Social media can absolutely help teenagers grow. It introduces them to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, which can spark curiosity and critical thinking. That said, there’s a flip side. Overuse, cyberbullying, and harmful content can hurt their mental health and self-esteem," he explained.

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"That’s why digital literacy is so important. Teaching teens how to use social media thoughtfully and safely is key," added Janse van Vuuren.

He also noted that like Australia, African countries should consider imposing age restrictions on social media platforms to protect the mental health of young people and better their focus and personal development.

"Social media platforms should have age-appropriate restrictions to keep younger users safe from harmful content. A good rule of thumb is restricting social media access for kids under 13," said Janse van Vuuren.

"However, though it's technically possible to restrict social media access using age verification and content controls, enforcing it is tough. Many teenagers use shared devices or free data bundles, which makes restrictions harder to monitor. On top of that, tech-savvy teens can easily get around restrictions with VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or fake profiles," he said.

Janse van Vuuren believes that partial restrictions are more realistic and effective.

"Social media can be a great tool for learning, connecting, and self-expression. Instead of banning it completely, we should focus on things like time limits, parental controls, and teaching responsible usage," he said.

Experts believe that social media platforms should have age-appropriate restrictions but warn that these are often hard to enforce. (Source: Image by freepik)

Charles George, a social media coordinator at Enterprise Uganda, said that although social media is now a fundamental component, it can easily become a destructive force.

"Social media can be a double-edged sword. When used responsibly, it is a powerful tool for learning and exposure to diverse perspectives, networking and creative expression, as well as cultivating digital literacy and civic engagement. However, unchecked use can lead to issues like diminished critical thinking, over-reliance on external validation, and unhealthy comparisons," said George.

Challenges to enforcing social media restrictions

George believes that while age restrictions are commendable, they are not always feasible and pose significant challenges such as alienating young people from the global sphere.

"While technological controls such as parental monitoring apps, network-level restrictions, or age verification systems exist, their implementation often depends on access to resources and digital literacy, which vary widely across the continent," he said.  

"Moreover, tech-savvy teenagers can easily circumvent restrictions, and enforcement across diverse socio-economic settings and jurisdictions could prove impractical," said George.

He said that social media usage should be regulated based on age, with restrictions in place for children under 13, as recommended by platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

"For those aged between 13 and 17, partial restrictions such as limited screen time or content moderation are more practical and balanced as they allow teenagers to benefit from social media while mitigating risks," George added. 

Total restriction could block teenagers from digital ecosystems that are essential for future employment, education, and communication.

Over the past few years, several African States have adopted a habit of initiating total or partial social media blackouts in the lead-up to elections, showcasing an intent to restrict social media access, particularly for the youth.

Other African states have come up with laws aimed at protecting the safety of social media users particularly young people who are now at the habitual receiving-end of cyberbullying, catfishing and revenge porn.

Most of the well-known social media platforms have an average age restriction of 13 years; however, enforcement is lacking and many children below the age of 13 are still accessing social media platforms.