Canberra: Australia is set to become the world’s first nation to restrict social media access for under-16s, a landmark decision that experts say will transform the country into a real-world laboratory to study the impact of technology on young people. The ban, effective December 10, has sparked widespread debate among researchers, parents, and policymakers.
Proponents of the legislation point to growing evidence that excessive time on social media can harm adolescents’ mental health, sleep patterns, body image, and academic performance. A World Health Organization survey last year revealed that 11 percent of teens struggle to control their social media use, highlighting the potential scale of the problem.
“Social media is doing social harm to our children,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, emphasizing the need to protect young Australians. “There is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I’m calling time on it.”
Psychologists and digital health researchers say the move presents a rare opportunity to evaluate cause-and-effect relationships in adolescent wellbeing. Dr. Amy Orben, who leads a digital mental health program at the University of Cambridge, noted that while extensive observational studies have shown correlations between social media use and poorer mental health, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Teenagers may turn to social media because they are already struggling, and the technology evolves so rapidly that evidence remains uncertain.
“What could change the dial are experimental studies or evaluations of natural experiments,” Orben told AFP. “So evaluating the Australia ban is hugely important because it actually gives us a window on what might be happening.”
To that end, Australian researchers are launching the “Connected Minds Study,” recruiting 13- to 16-year-olds to track how the ban influences mental health, social engagement, and daily routines. Observers hope this data will provide critical insights into how restrictions might mitigate the negative effects of online platforms.
Despite public support polls indicate more than three-quarters of Australian adults back the legislation the policy has drawn criticism from academics and campaigners. Over 140 experts signed an open letter warning that a blanket ban may be “too blunt an instrument,” potentially restricting beneficial uses of social media and failing to address underlying issues.
Still, lawmakers have pressed forward, arguing that the potential risks of inaction outweigh the uncertainties. The coming months in Australia will offer a first glimpse at whether regulatory intervention can safeguard adolescent wellbeing in the digital age, or if further refinements will be necessary.
As the ban takes effect, researchers, parents, and policymakers worldwide will be watching closely, treating Australia as a living experiment in balancing technology, childhood development, and public health.