The Executive Director of Child Online Africa, Awo Aidam Amenyah, is urging African governments to take a cue from Australia’s newly passed legislation that delays social media access for children under 16, a move he describes as a “critical step towards safer digital childhoods.”

Mr Amenyah stressed that Australia’s policy is not a ban but a strategic delay aimed at shielding young people from the risks associated with early online exposure.

“Delaying social media use allows children to develop essential social skills, emotional resilience, and critical thinking before engaging fully in the digital world,” he said in a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 9.

He noted that research consistently shows children’s developing brains are more vulnerable to addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, misinformation, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and low self-esteem.

Under the Australian framework, social media platforms are required to implement age verification systems, with parental consent available for children aged 13 and above. Mr Amenyah described this as a balanced approach that protects young users while giving families greater control.

He urged African leaders, including those in Ghana, to engage parents, educators, technology professionals, and child rights advocates in crafting culturally relevant policies that delay social media access for younger users.

“Africa has an opportunity to set a benchmark in digital child protection, just as Australia has done. Protecting our children’s digital futures is a shared responsibility,” he emphasised.

“Child Online Africa calls on other governments, particularly Ghana’s and the African continent, to adopt a similar social media delay through inclusive consultations with stakeholders, including parents, educators, tech experts, and child rights advocates,” he added.

Child Online Africa has also launched the AfricaESafetyNow campaign, calling for urgent policy action to ensure children across the continent can thrive online in safe, controlled, and age-appropriate environments.