By Peace Erewunmi

A government has announced a new policy banning children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, in a move aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting minors from harmful digital content.

According to the announcement, the policy will require social media companies to restrict account creation and access for users below the age threshold, with enforcement measures expected to be implemented through stricter age verification systems.

Officials explained that the decision was driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on children, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online addiction, and data privacy risks.

The policy will affect major social media platforms, which are expected to comply with the new regulations or face penalties for non-compliance. Messaging applications and educational platforms may be exempt depending on the final regulatory framework.

Authorities noted that the move aligns with global trends, as several countries have recently introduced or proposed similar restrictions aimed at improving child online safety.

While supporters of the policy argue that it will help protect young users and support parents in managing online exposure, critics have raised concerns about enforcement challenges and the effectiveness of age verification systems.

As of the time of filing this report, further details on implementation timelines and enforcement mechanisms are expected to be released by relevant regulatory agencies.