Australia Bans Social Media Use For Children: How Does It Impact Them

Australia has become the first country to ban social media for people under the age of 16 years. The companies, which include Facebook, Instagram amongst others, can face fines up to Aus$ 50 million for failing to comply to the newly minted law. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is in complete support of the new rules describing social media as "a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators".

But Does Social Media Really Impact Children's Mental Health?

A survey conducted by John Hopkins University showed that 9 in 10 teens in US use social media daily. Though most social media platforms have a required minimum age of 13, almost 40% of children between the ages of 8 and 12 use social. Last year, United States Surgeon General released a social media advisory about social media and mental health. It said that frequent social media use could be associated with changes in parts of the brain related to emotions and learning. Additionally, it can affect impulse control, social behavior, emotional regulation and sensitivity to social punishments and rewards. Moreover, social media use has been linked to various mental conditions. One of the most common interrelationships is between social media and depression.

Parents Need To Set Boundaries

Clinical psychologist Becky Kennedy told TIME focusing on parenting and family relationships, I've observed an increasing trend among parents of prioritizing their children's happiness over setting boundaries. This shift is problematic because children have always pushed limits and requested things that aren’t in their best interest—it's part of how they learn and grow. However, while children continue testing boundaries, many parents struggle to enforce them. This lack of balance is contributing to the current mental health crisis.

How To Keep Your Kids Away From Social Media

1. Encourage Digital Detoxes

Propose short breaks from social media, such as a "no-phone weekend" or daily screen-free hours. Gradual detoxes help reduce dependency while allowing the mind to refresh and recover from digital fatigue.

2. Promote Physical Activities

Introduce outdoor games, yoga, or exercise routines as alternatives to screen time. Physical activities not only improve overall health but also release endorphins or feel-good hormones. They also reduce the psychological need for social media validation.

3. Foster Healthy Sleep Habits

Encourage your kids to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime. Exposure to blue light disrupts sleep, which is essential for growing minds and bodies. You can also suggest using apps to limit access to social media at night.

4. Highlight Mental Health Benefits

Discuss how reduced social media use can alleviate anxiety, depression, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Replacing scrolling with mindfulness practices, journaling, or meditation can enhance emotional well-being.

5. Involve Family and Friends

Make quitting social media a collective effort by involving the whole family or peer group. Organize screen-free activities such as family dinners, game nights, or outings, creating a support system for the habit. At the end it is collective effort that matters.