Countries such as France and Britain are considering banning children and some teenagers from using social media, following Australia’s lead. The move aims to address deteriorating mental health among young people, but experts remain divided on its effectiveness. Australia recently became the first nation to prohibit individuals under 16 from using popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
The debate surrounding the ban is centered on the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. Proponents of the ban, including American psychologist Jonathan Haidt, argue that excessive screen time, particularly on social media, is rewiring children’s brains and contributing to an epidemic of mental illness. Haidt’s book, “The Anxious Generation,” has been influential among politicians but has faced criticism from academic circles, with some arguing that the evidence is not conclusive.
Researcher Michael Noetel from the University of Queensland notes that while the effects of social media on mental health may be small, they can add up across billions of users. A review of over 100 studies on the links between screens and psychological problems in children and adolescents found a vicious cycle, where excessive screen time contributes to problems, which in turn drives youngsters to increase their screen time.
However, other researchers warn against a blanket ban, citing the need for a more nuanced approach. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that moderate social media use was associated with better well-being in teenagers, while excessive use or no use at all was linked to poorer outcomes. French psychiatrist Serge Tisseron, who has long warned about the risks of screens, fears that a ban would be easily circumvented by tech-savvy teens and could absolve parents of responsibility.
As the debate continues, France’s public health watchdog has ruled that social media has numerous detrimental effects on adolescents, particularly girls. The Australian government’s online safety watchdog has reported that tech companies have already blocked 4.7 million accounts for under-16s since the ban was implemented. The effectiveness of the Australian ban will be closely watched, with some experts suggesting that it may take a year to determine its impact and potential unintended consequences.
