Cellphones and social media have become a central part of daily life, even for very young children. However, with growing concerns about online safety, cyberbullying, harmful content, screen addiction, and impacts on mental well-being, the debate is intensifying.
The conversation is no longer limited to parental control at home. Many are now questioning whether South Africa needs clearer national guidelines or stricter restrictions on children’s access to mobile devices and social media platforms.
Last year, Australia made international headlines by becoming the first country to block children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, a move that has reignited global concern about the effects of uncensored online spaces on childhood development and mental health.
In South Africa, the policy has drawn mixed reactions. Some parents and child-rights advocates welcome stronger regulation, while government officials have taken a cautious approach.
A recent VOC News poll found that more than 84% of respondents believe South Africa should be doing more to regulate cellphone and social media use for children.
Digital analyst Carmen Murray highlighted the mental health risks associated with early and prolonged exposure to online content.
“We are seeing increased anxiety and depression among children,” Murray said.
“Exposure to global events, polarisation, and adult-like content contributes to what psychologists call ‘adultification’—the idea that children are expected to handle stressful situations as adults do. Most cases of anxiety and depression are now appearing in children aged 10 to 12, with around 45% reporting disrupted sleep linked to social media use.”
Listen to the full interview with Carmen Murray below:
Health experts are increasingly calling for social media platforms to include warning labels, similar to those on tobacco or alcohol products, to educate users and their families about potential risks.
Senior Lecturer in Bioethics at UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Heidi Matisonn, explained:
“Creating awareness about the risks of social media is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups. Many parents and older users are unaware of these risks. Warning labels can help educate people and promote informed use of digital platforms.”
International research supports these concerns, linking excessive social media use among young people to higher levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social comparison—trends observed globally, including in Africa.
As social media use continues to grow among children, debates around regulation, education, and protective measures are likely to intensify in the coming years.
Listen to the full interview with Dr Heidi Matisonn below:
VOC News
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