South Africa, March 30 -- This shift matters beyond US borders. For South Africa, where children are deeply embedded in global online ecosystems, it raises urgent questions about responsibility, regulation, and protection.

Digital access has transformed learning and social life for South African children, but it has also widened pathways to exploitation, harmful content, disrupted sleep, and mental health issues.

A Unicef study shows that more than 95% of South African children have regular internet access, with 70% using the internet without parental consent.

In the absence of digital safeguards, one-third of South African children face risks of online exploitation, abuse, or violence.

This is not a challenge that can be addressed by...