Several Australian states, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, are exploring a potential ban on social media for children under 16. This move comes as part of growing concerns regarding the negative mental health effects of social media, particularly its links to depression, anxiety, and reduced academic performance among young people.
In response to these concerns, the Australian government is considering the implementation of new regulations, which may include an age-verification system to enforce the ban. The aim is to ensure that only individuals above a certain age can access social media platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed strong support for these proposed measures. He highlighted the importance of encouraging children to engage more in physical activities and spend less time online, which he believes is crucial for their overall well-being.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the rise in mental health issues linked to excessive social media use. The government’s priority is to create a safer, healthier environment for young Australians by reducing their exposure to potentially harmful online content.
