Banning kids from social media may not be a good idea

Study Finds -  A new Science analysis argues that blanket social media bans and broad surveillance rules for kids often fail to make them safer.

The big reason is trust: when children feel watched or shut out, they may hide problems instead of asking adults for help.

The authors point to four better bets: trust-building, easy reporting tools, real-time on-device supports, and digital safety education woven into daily life.

The paper also stresses a bigger shift in mindset: children should be treated as partners in digital safety, not just as passive people to control.