Australia’s decision to ban social media use for children under 16 from December 10 has triggered intense debate, with experts describing the move as a real-time experiment that could shape global policy on young people and technology.
Supporters of the world-first ban argue that growing research links heavy social media use to declining mental health among teenagers. But critics insist the evidence is still too weak to justify such sweeping legislation, warning it could cause more harm than good.
Dr. Amy Orben, a psychologist from the University of Cambridge who leads a digital mental health programme, noted that teenage brains are still developing through their early 20s. She said a large body of observational research links high screen time to poorer mental health, but the findings are often inconclusive.
“Technology changes quickly and is deeply embedded in everyday life. That means our evidence base will always have uncertainties,” Orben told AFP. She added that Australia’s ban provides a rare chance to study the real impact of limiting teen access.
To better understand the policy’s effects, Australian researchers are launching the “Connected Minds Study,” involving 13- to 16-year-olds, to assess how the restriction influences their wellbeing.
A World Health Organisation survey last year showed that about 11% of adolescents struggle to limit their social media use. Other studies have also tied excessive use to poor sleep, falling academic performance, body image issues and emotional distress. A notable 2019 JAMA Psychiatry study linked more than three hours of daily social media use to increased mental health risks among US schoolchildren.
Some experts say this growing evidence is enough reason to act now.
“This is not just a science issue, it’s a values issue,” said Australian psychiatrist Dr. Christian Heim, who highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, suicide risks and exposure to harmful content like self-harm and eating disorder sites. He pointed to a 2018 study linking addiction to China’s WeChat app with reduced grey matter in parts of the brain.
Not everyone agrees the ban is the right approach. A coalition of more than 140 academics and advocates argued in an open letter that the policy is “too blunt an instrument.” They say many factors from disruptions caused by the pandemic to global conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine could explain rising anxiety among young people.
Digital media scholar Prof. Axel Bruns warned that a total ban could push some teens toward more dangerous, unregulated online spaces, while depriving others especially marginalised youths of communities that support them.
Online safety advocate Noelle Martin also questioned whether the policy would be effective, citing Australia’s poor track record in enforcing existing online safety laws.
Despite the criticism, the Australian government insists the move is necessary.
“Social media is doing social harm to our children,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said earlier this year. “Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I’m calling time on it.”
Polls suggest the ban has strong public backing, with more than 75% of adults supporting the law before it was passed.
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