How do children still access social media despite bans? Understanding the technology

Even with bans in place, children can access social media using tools like VPNs, proxies, and other technologies. Let’s explore how to protect children from this.

Many countries are implementing measures such as age restrictions, parental controls, and account verification to limit children's use of social media. However, simply imposing a ban or setting an age limit does not completely eliminate children's access to these platforms. Children often use technology to try and bypass these restrictions. Let’s understand the technology involved and why this poses such a significant challenge for parents.

VPNs change the location

VPNs are among the most common tools children use to circumvent bans. A VPN routes an internet connection through a different server, making it difficult for websites or apps to detect the user's actual location.

For instance, if a social media platform is banned in a specific country, a VPN can make the connection appear as though it is originating from a different region. However, a VPN does not guarantee a way around bans in every situation, as many services actively attempt to detect and block VPN traffic.

Technological challenges in age verification

Social media platforms employ various methods to determine a user's age. These include technologies such as date-of-birth entry, identity documents, selfie-based age estimation, and digital verification.

The problem, however, is that simply asking for a date of birth is often insufficient. A user can easily create an account by entering a false age. Consequently, there is ongoing work to improve age verification technologies.

Logging in via someone else's account

If a child's own account is banned, they might use the account of an older family member. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the platform to determine who is actually operating the phone or account.

This is why verifying the age associated with an account is not considered enough; other indicators—such as the device used, login patterns, and usage habits—are also crucial.

Accessing via the Browser Even After Deleting the App

Even if a social media app is removed from a phone, the platform can still be accessed through a web browser. Unless the website is blocked at the network level, simply deleting the app is not a complete solution. Furthermore, some platforms offer distinct experiences for mobile websites and apps, creating more ways for children to bypass bans.

Do Parental Controls Help?

Parents can utilize features such as parental controls, app limits, and content filters available on phones. Many devices offer options to manage app installations, restrict website access, and control screen time. However, children's understanding of technology is evolving. Therefore, rather than relying solely on software-based restrictions, it is also essential to talk to children about internet safety, online privacy, and the risks associated with social media.