Social media and mental health are like two peas in a pod, they have a direct relation to each other. We consume so much information online, negative, positive, exciting, and depressing, it gets exhausting and takes a toll on our mental health. Everyone says that young minds are extremely impressionable and that has become even more starkingly true in this social media age. The information online affects teens the most and there is no one way to control what they consume.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has decided to introduce a bill that bans children under 16 from social media. The government plans to introduce a bill in parliament this November that will require social media companies to enforce age restrictions, placing the responsibility on the companies rather than on parents or young users. This move could set a precedent, with countries like the U.K. and Norway also pushing for age restrictions on social media but facing various challenges along the way.
This policy is all about tackling the worries about how social media affects mental health—especially for teens. Research shows that young people face all kinds of risks online, from body image struggles and online bullying to the pull of addictive scrolling habits. He also shared in a press conference that this policy is all about shielding younger users from the power of digital algorithms and the pressures of online life.
When the new policy kicks in, social media giants like Meta will be responsible for enforcing the age ban—a big responsibility, as Albanese points out. They’ll need to set up strict age verification systems and could face hefty fines if they don’t follow the rules.
Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman supports the policy, seeing it as a big win for youth protection. He believes that underage social media use is one of today’s major issues and wants the law to be strong, with zero loopholes. He also doesn’t think platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram can ever really be made safe for kids.
This policy could be a real game-changer, setting a new global standard for how we protect young people online. By holding social media companies accountable for age limits, Australia is sending a bold message: kids’ mental health and well-being come first. It’ll be interesting to see how platforms adapt, and if this approach can help make the digital world a safer space for younger users. With countries watching to see if this move works, Australia might just lead the way in reshaping social media for the next generation.
