France has decided that children under 15 should not be on social media. Australia has already passed similar restrictions for under-16s, while the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and Denmark are moving towards tighter rules. For us too, the question is no longer whether social media affects children. The question is whether Bangladesh is ready to have the same conversation.
For many Bangladeshi children, getting a smartphone is something that they expect. Along with it comes Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Before they learn to manage money or travel alone, many have already spent years chasing likes, scrolling endlessly, and living through a screen.
Parents often see it as harmless entertainment. It isn't always.
Mental health is one concern that can no longer be ignored. Young people today are constantly comparing themselves with influencers, celebrities, and even classmates. A perfect photo, a viral video or a hurtful comment can affect confidence far more than many adults realise. UNICEF has also identified cyberbullying and online harassment as growing concerns for children in Bangladesh.
Then comes doomscrolling.
One video becomes ten. Ten become a hundred. Hours disappear without children even noticing. The habit slowly replaces outdoor games, family conversations, reading, and even sleep. Teachers across Bangladesh have also spoken about declining attention spans as students become increasingly attached to their phones.
Harassment is another reality. Fake Facebook profiles, edited photos, online blackmail, and abusive comments have become familiar stories in Bangladesh. Many teenagers experience them long before they are emotionally mature enough to deal with the consequences. Add misinformation, scams and strangers pretending to be someone else, and the internet becomes far more complicated than simply posting photos.
None of this means social media has no value. It helps students learn new skills, stay connected with friends, and even earn money through small online businesses. The goal should not be to convince children that the internet is the enemy.
It should be to decide when they are ready for it.
Bangladesh does not have to copy France's law overnight. However, it should start asking the same questions. Are children spending too much of their childhood online? Are platforms doing enough to protect young users? And are parents paying enough attention to what their children are watching every day?
Governments can introduce policies, but the first line of defence is still at home. Setting screen-time limits, delaying a child's first social media account, and having honest conversations about online risks may do more than any algorithm ever will.
Developed countries have recognised that childhood is worth protecting. Bangladesh should pay attention before today's habits become tomorrow's problems.
