The article highlights the persistent trend of prohibiting children from accessing alcohol, cigarettes, and sex while questioning why similar restrictions aren't applied to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. In Australia, a ban has been implemented for users under the age of sixteen, yet reports indicate that many are circumventing this limitation, revealing the complexities involved in verifying age online. This raises concerns about the practicality of such bans and their actual effectiveness in protecting children from potentially harmful content.

Furthermore, the author points out that similar legislative discussions are occurring in France and the UK, where age restrictions of fifteen are being debated in parliament. Other European nations, including Denmark, Norway, Greece, and Slovenia, are also exploring such measures, while countries like Spain, Turkey, and Slovakia have only seen political declarations regarding the issue. This ongoing dialogue suggests a broader international concern regarding youth access to social media and the need for a unified approach to address the associated risks.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of educating children about online platforms rather than imposing outright bans. It argues that understanding the implications of social media use and teaching responsible online behavior could be a more effective strategy for safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world.