Sonu Sood urges social media ban for children, calls for real childhoods

Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood has sparked a nationwide conversation by urging India to consider a ban on social media for children, emphasizing the importance of real childhoods and stronger family connections.

In a post on X, Sonu Sood referenced Australia’s recent move to restrict social media use for children under 16, saying, “Countries like Australia have already banned social media for kids under 16 and it's time India considers the same. Our children deserve real childhoods, stronger family bonds, and freedom from screen addiction . Our government has taken incredible steps for the nation's future, and this one could set another powerful example. Let's protect our kids today for a better India tomorrow.”

The post immediately drew reactions on social media, with supporters praising the actor for raising awareness about the mental health risks and social challenges posed by early exposure to social media. “Protecting children from early social media exposure is crucial for their mental health and real-life connections ,” one user commented. Others, however, stressed that social media can be a learning tool if children are properly guided.

Sonu’s remarks come shortly after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese implemented a world‑first social media ban for children under 16 through the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 , which prevents under‑16s from creating or holding accounts on major social platforms, with parental consent unable to override the rule. The law covers age‑restricted platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads, while services focused on messaging, education, or child‑specific content, including WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and Discord, are exempt. This pattern reflects a focus on restricting access to platforms built around social interaction and content sharing rather than communication or learning tools, aiming to reduce risks like cyberbullying, addictive design, and harmful content exposure among young children.

As debates around childhood, technology, and mental health gain momentum in India, Sonu Sood’s call highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media on young minds and the role of families in shaping healthier, balanced lifestyles.