Children are engaging with technology earlier and more frequently as the digital world continues to expand. Technology companies and governments are increasingly stepping up efforts to promote safer and more responsible digital usage among young people; in recognition of both the opportunities and risks this presents. Enhanced safety features, awareness initiatives, and age-appropriate tools are being developed by stakeholders to ensure that children can explore the digital landscape in a way that is both secure and educational at the same time.
However, another study speaks of 64% of teens said major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta don’t care about their mental health or well-being, and 62% don’t believe they will protect their safety at the expense of profit, according to a January 2025 Common Sense Media report.
Smart Tech, Safer Kids
Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity leader has partnered with KidZania India, a global indoor family theme park. The two have opened Cyber Investigation Centres in Mumbai and Delhi NCR, India. The Cyber Investigation Centre is a first-of-its-kind role-play experience where children role-play as real life cyber investigators but also learn to detect & protect against cyber threats and how to stay safe in an increasingly connected digital world.
Parents today focus on preparing their child for a digital-first future. KidZania translates these concerns into meaningful, real-world learning experiences The partnership with Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity, helps ensure that children are not only aware of the digital world but also equipped to navigate it safely, responsibly, and with confidence.
Meta introduces its first AI Wellbeing Expert Council. Its members will provide expert input as they develop valuable, age-appropriate AI experiences for teens. According to a January 2025 HubResearch report, 23% of individuals aged 13–24 spend their screen time gaming, followed by 21% who engage with online video content. In response to evolving digital behaviours, parents supervising Teen Accounts can now view the topics their teens have asked Meta AI about over the past seven days. Furthermore, experts are introducing conversation starters to help parents engage more effectively with their teens about AI experiences.
Policy Meets Technology
A growing number of countries and governments are concerned about the excessive use of digital media by children.
India
The Indian government is strengthening its regulations on children’s use of social media, including age-based access controls and potential restrictions on minors (under 13-16) to curtail cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful materials. One of the key measures is the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023, which requires parental consent for the processing of data related to children under the age of 18 and the pending IT Rules which strengthen the accountability of technology companies.
Indonesia
As the first Asian country and the second worldwide to implement a ban on social media for users under the age of sixteen, Indonesia has become the first Asian nation to do so. It targets eight platforms, including Meta, YouTube, TikTok, X and Roblox, with penalties ranging from warnings to fines and temporary suspensions of service.
GCC
The Turkish government’s policy agenda has been increasingly influenced by concerns about how the digital world is impacting children, resulting in a coordinated push for tighter regulation of online platforms and content. According to the government, repeated exposure to violent content across digital platforms and traditional media may increase the risk of behavioural imitation among young people.
The UAE Education Council has also made a move to tighten children’s social media rules. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council has discussed proposals to regulate children’s use of social media platforms and strengthen digital safety measures, as part of a broader national framework to protect young users. The government has introduced a strict new Child Digital Safety (CDS) Law (2026), making parents legally responsible for monitoring children’s online activity, with penalties for non-compliance.
Clicks, Care & Caution
To teach safe online navigation, privacy, and recognizing risks, digital literacy programs should be introduced in schools. Furthermore, social media apps should warn about mental health risks for teens. It is imperative that governments, educators, and technology firms collaborate on regulations that balance safety and digital engagement. Parents play an important role to model healthy online habits and to discuss digital experiences with their children, we must provide them with resources that will assist them in understanding the platforms that they are using.
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