by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE issue of minors accessing harmful online content, particularly via social media, is a priority as the world marks Safer Internet Day (SID).
In South Africa, the Internet Services Providers Association (ISPA) is leading the commemorations, held yearly on the second Tuesday of February.
SID 2026 is focused on creating a safer, more responsible online environment for young people worldwide.
The annual this year comes as more and more countries are passing or considering passing laws that restrict children’s social media access.
Most of the attention is on Australia, which implemented a ban on under-16s holding accounts on specified platforms for reasons that included exposure to harmful content, as well as mental health concerns and cyberbullying.
The platforms of concern include TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Australia’s ban came into effect on December 10, 2025. While there are several legal challenges to Australia’s approach that will need to work themselves through the system, governments in France, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and New Zealand are working to introduce similar prohibitions.
“History shows us that bans are blunt instruments, often carrying sharp consequences – from privacy concerns associated with age verification to minors exploiting easily-available workarounds. Australia adopting this approach speaks volumes about the urgency of taking steps in the face of growing evidence of harms relating to social media use,” said Sasha Booth-Beharilal, ISPA chair.
ISPA believes this SID, all can help others become more resilient against those that would do harm online.
ISPA is a recognised industry representative body representing the interests of over 235 small, medium and large internet service and access provider members.
– CAJ News