South Africa consistently ranks among the top countries globally for daily internet use. Should this be a concern?
People use the internet for many different reasons. Social media platforms, messaging apps, online entertainment, and news websites are some of the most popular online activities. Businesses, schools, and government institutions also rely heavily on digital platforms to reach people and provide services.
However, high internet usage can also bring certain challenges. Experts have raised concerns about online safety, misinformation, and the impact of too much screen time, particularly on young people. Children and teenagers are among the most active internet users, and they often spend large amounts of time on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
According to various researchers, too much time online can affect young people’s mental health, sleep patterns, and academic performance. There are also concerns about cyberbullying, exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, and the influence of algorithms that encourage users to spend more time on these platforms. Because of these risks, many countries are now discussing ways to make the internet safer, especially for children.
As of December 2025, Australia has taken a leading global role by introducing a ban on social media for children under the age of 16 through the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. The law aims to delay children’s access to social media until they are developmentally ready and have the skills needed to understand the risks that come with online platforms.
According to research on the policy, the act is intended to protect young people from exposure to harmful content such as pornography, cyberbullying, and other dangerous online behaviour. It also seeks to limit the influence of commercial algorithms that are designed to keep users engaged for long periods of time, which can lead to unhealthy levels of social media use. In addition, the law aims to reduce the risk of children being targeted by criminals or other harmful actors online.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, in a conversation with Cape Talk, said that the government is closely monitoring global discussions around regulating children’s access to social media. He explained that the government wants to ensure that the internet remains a safe space for children, particularly from an educational and awareness perspective. Malatsi also said that authorities are exploring possible measures that could be introduced for social media platforms, including age verification systems and clearer guidelines to protect young users online.
Some experts argue that restricting social media access for younger users could help protect children from online harm. Others believe that instead of banning social media completely, governments should focus on digital education, stronger online safety regulations, and better parental guidance.
While the internet offers many opportunities for learning, communication, and economic growth, the challenge remains in ensuring that young people use it safely and responsibly. As South Africa continues to rank among the most connected countries in the world, the question remains whether stricter rules around children’s access to social media may become part of the country’s future digital policy discussions.
