Is Parental Approval Mandatory for Social Media Accounts for Children Under 18?

Social media has become a cornerstone of modern communication, entertainment, and education. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer endless opportunities for creativity and connection, they also raise critical concerns about safety and privacy, especially for children under 18. Should parental approval be mandatory for children to create social media accounts? This article explores the benefits, risks, and legal frameworks in countries like Australia and India to address this pressing question.

The Rising Influence of Social Media on Children

How Social Media Impacts Young Minds

Children today are immersed in a digital world where social media significantly shapes their lives. From fostering creativity to enhancing social connections, these platforms have become essential. However, this influence comes with a double edged sword.

• Benefits: Social media can boost creativity, provide educational content, and help children stay connected with peers.
  
  
• Risks: The same platforms expose them to cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful content, often beyond their comprehension.

Legal Requirements for Social Media Accounts

Global Age Restrictions: Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, adhering to international standards like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US. However, enforcing these rules remains a challenge, as children can easily bypass age restrictions.

Australia: The Privacy Act 1988

In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 and its amendments under the Online Privacy Code require organizations to obtain parental consent for collecting personal information from children under 16. Social media platforms must comply with these rules, making parental approval essential.

India: The Information Technology Act, 2000

In India, the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000 and its accompanying rules mandate parental consent for minors engaging with online platforms. The Personal Data Protection Bill of 2019 further strengthens these requirements by emphasizing the protection of children’s data.

India’s New Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

On January 4, 2025, the Indian government proposed updated regulations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023. These draft rules require children under 18 to obtain verifiable parental consent to create social media accounts. This initiative aims to provide parents with greater control over their children’s online activities and ensure secure handling of personal data. The government’s focus is on enhancing transparency and safety in the digital space.

Greece’s National Strategy on Internet Safety

In a related move, Greece has introduced a national strategy to combat internet addiction and excessive social media use among minors. The Greek government plans to launch a digital wallet application for parental control and age verification, safeguarding children’s well-being online. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote responsible internet usage.

Why Parental Approval Matters

Shielding Children from Online Dangers

Parental approval serves as a protective layer against the many risks children face online.

• Cyberbullying: Parental approval allows parents to oversee online interactions and step in promptly to address instances of bullying.
  
  
• Inappropriate Content: Parents can guide children to avoid harmful material.

Fostering Responsible Usage

By approving and monitoring social media accounts, parents can instill a sense of responsibility in their children. This guidance helps them navigate the digital world safely and ethically.

Risks of Social Media for Children Under 18

Exposure to Harmful Content

Social media platforms are rife with content that may not be suitable for young audiences. From graphic violence to explicit material, children can easily stumble upon inappropriate posts.

Cyberbullying and Harassment

Online bullying has severe consequences for mental health, often leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Parental involvement can mitigate these risks by fostering open communication.

Privacy Concerns

Children may unknowingly share personal information, making them vulnerable to identity theft or online predators.

Benefits of Parental Approval

Monitoring and Guidance

When parents approve their child’s social media presence, they can:

• Supervise Activities: Ensure children engage with appropriate content and connections.
  
  
• Set boundaries: Establish rules about screen time and acceptable behavior online.

Teaching Digital Literacy

Parental involvement helps children develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and recognize potential dangers.

Challenges Parents Face

Balancing Trust and Supervision

Parents often struggle to strike a balance between granting independence and ensuring safety. Over-monitoring can lead to trust issues, while leniency might expose children to risks.

Keeping Up with Technology

The rapidly evolving digital landscape can overwhelm parents, making it difficult to stay informed about the latest platforms and trends.

Current Laws and Regulations

COPPA and GDPR-K

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US and the General Data Protection Regulation for Kids (GDPR-K) in Europe mandate parental consent for collecting personal data from children under specific ages. These laws aim to create a safer digital environment for minors.

Australia’s Online Privacy Code

Under the Online Privacy Code, Australian social media platforms must implement stringent measures to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for minors.

India’s IT Act and Data Protection Laws

India’s IT Act emphasizes parental consent for minors accessing online platforms. The proposed Personal Data Protection Bill adds further safeguards, ensuring children’s data is handled responsibly.

 

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Parental Control Tools: Platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer parental control features to help monitor and limit children’s activities. These tools empower parents to create a safer online experience.

Age Verification Systems: Social media companies are experimenting with AI-driven age verification to prevent underage users from creating accounts without parental approval.

How Parents Can Stay Involved

• Open Communication: Talking openly about social media helps children understand its benefits and risks. Encourage them to share their experiences and concerns.
  
  
• Setting Clear Rules: Establish guidelines for social media usage, including time limits, approved platforms, and acceptable behavior.
  
  
• Privacy Awareness: Teach children the importance of safeguarding personal information, such as avoiding sharing addresses or phone numbers online.
  
  
• Recognizing Red Flags: Help them identify suspicious behavior, such as unsolicited messages or requests for personal details.
  
  
• Offline Activities: Encourage hobbies like sports, arts, and reading to reduce screen time and promote personal growth.
  
  
• Age-appropriate Digital Tools: Introduce children to educational apps and games that provide a safer digital experience.

Expert Opinions on Parental Approval

1. Psychologists’ Insights: Experts agree that parental involvement is crucial for a child’s healthy relationship with social media. Fostering trust and communication can prevent many issues associated with online platforms.
   
   
2. Case Studies: Real-life examples highlight how parental approval and guidance have positively impacted children’s online experiences.

Practical Tips for Parents

• Approving Accounts Together: Sit with your child to evaluate the pros and cons of each platform before signing up.
  
  
• Using parental control apps: apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, and Bark help monitor activities and set limits effectively.
  
  
• Staying Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest digital trends, threats, and tools to stay one step ahead.

Parental approval for social media accounts is not just a legal requirement in many countries but also a practical necessity. It allows parents to guide their children through the complexities of the digital world while ensuring their safety. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and staying informed, parents can strike the right balance between granting freedom and maintaining oversight.