As more countries move to ban children from social media, experts warn that regulation alone will not solve the problem.
Governments around the world are tightening restrictions as concerns grow over the impact of excessive screen time on children's mental health, learning and development.
Many argue that today's digital platforms are designed to maximise engagement rather than protect young users, exposing them to cyberbullying, addictive algorithms, harmful content and online predators.
The result is a global push for stricter age limits, with several countries proposing bans for children under 15 or 16.
For Kenyan mother Jill Atieno, the debate is personal.
"I left my son with a tablet from a very young age while I concentrated on work," she says. "His health was affected and he was later diagnosed with ADHD."
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She says her eight-year-old son now spends no more than 30 minutes a day on screens, with the rest of his time devoted to outdoor activities and family interaction.
"He's improving now. My focus is on his mental wellbeing and overall health," she says.
Clinical psychology researcher Clare O'Toole says Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects between 6 and 10 percent of children. However, she cautions that a medical assessment is necessary because several other conditions can present similar symptoms.
Psychologist Josephine Waithiru says prolonged screen exposure can overstimulate the developing brain, affecting language development, concentration and sleep.
"Children build language through conversations and interaction with people," she says. "Screens cannot replace that. Fast-paced videos and games also trigger repeated dopamine surges that may contribute to irritability, hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating."
She adds that prolonged screen use, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt healthy sleep because of the blue light emitted by digital devices.
The World Health Organization also recommends limiting screen time for young children. It advises no sedentary screen time for infants under one year. Children aged one to four should spend no more than one hour a day on screens, with less being preferable.
Governments tighten restrictions
Concern over children's digital wellbeing has prompted governments worldwide to act.
Australia became one of the first countries to pass legislation restricting social media access for children under 16, arguing that technology companies have failed to adequately protect young users.
The United Kingdom has proposed similar measures targeting platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X. The proposals also include tighter controls on livestreaming, contact from strangers and algorithm-driven content recommendations.
The United Arab Emirates has barred children under 15 from creating personal social media accounts, while Brazil now requires parental consent and age verification for minors using certain digital platforms.
Several other countries, including Malaysia, Denmark, Spain, Germany, Canada and Greece, are considering or implementing similar measures.
Across Africa, governments are also becoming increasingly concerned about cyberbullying, explicit content and digital addiction.
Gabon has introduced restrictions for users under 16, while Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Egypt are pursuing similar proposals.
Kenya has taken a different approach. Earlier this year, Parliament rejected proposals to ban TikTok outright. Instead, lawmakers recommended stronger regulation of social media platforms through improved content moderation, better age verification and stricter enforcement of the Data Protection Act.
They argued that while social media poses genuine risks, it also offers opportunities for communication, creativity, education and entrepreneurship.
Experts say the growing wave of legislation reflects a broader shift in thinking. Rather than viewing excessive screen use solely as a parenting challenge, governments increasingly see it as a public health issue that requires technology companies to share responsibility.
Shantal Onyango, a legal officer at The CRADLE Children Foundation, says stronger regulation is necessary but warns against relying on bans alone.
"Some vulnerable teenagers depend on online communities for emotional support, education and creativity," she says. "Simply removing access without addressing platform design may push young people toward less regulated spaces online."
She also warns that strict age verification systems could require users to submit biometric data or identity documents, raising fresh concerns about children's privacy and data protection.
Education alongside regulation
UNESCO says regulation should be accompanied by digital literacy.
According to the organisation, one in three internet users worldwide is a child, while most parents admit they struggle to manage their children's screen use.
"Our data shows parents are overwhelmed because children's digital habits are evolving faster than our ability to protect them," says Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information.
The agency notes that children often bypass age restrictions using false birth dates, family accounts or virtual private networks (VPNs), making enforcement alone insufficient.
Instead, UNESCO says young people need practical skills to navigate the digital world safely.
Working with France's Centre for Media and Information Education (CLEMI), the organisation has developed guidance to help parents understand social media, recognise online risks and build healthier digital habits at home.
The guidance encourages families to create shared media plans, establish phone-free periods during meals and before bedtime, promote outdoor activities and maintain open conversations about online experiences.
It also encourages children to recognise manipulative platform features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, push notifications and personalised algorithms designed to maximise engagement.