Why Australia’s social media ban for kids under 16 could change parenting worldwide

Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids under 16 is sparking a global conversation—and U.S. parents are listening. In what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls a “world-first national approach,” this law would make platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X responsible for verifying user ages and blocking those younger than 16 from signing on.

Albanese’s message is direct: “Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians,” he stated, emphasizing the need to prioritize “the safety and mental health of young people.”

As this policy moves through the Australian Parliament, U.S. parents are taking note. In a country where kids’ social media use is skyrocketing, many are wondering: could a law like this be part of the answer to protecting our kids?

How Australia’s move hits home for U.S. families

While Australia may be leading the charge, these issues hit close to home. In the U.S., 95% of teens report having access to a smartphone, and nearly half say they’re “almost constantly” online, according to Pew Research Center.

This near-constant connection has correlated with troubling trends: A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s report highlights social media as a factor in rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among U.S. teens. Today’s adolescents face pressures that previous generations didn’t—from continuous peer comparison to exposure to cyberbullying and harmful content.

With 24/7 access to “likes” and endless scrolling, U.S. kids are navigating a digital world that can feel overwhelming. For many parents, Australia’s approach is a chance to reflect: Are we creating a balanced digital space for our kids? Are we having open conversations about social media’s impact on their mental health?

Protecting mental health and social well-being

Australia’s proposed age limit aims to act as a safety measure—similar to age limits around alcohol—to protect young people from potential harm.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, social media use among youth can amplify risks related to sleep disruptions, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem issues.

Would a social media ban work in the U.S.? It’s a mixed bag for many parents. A national age limit could take some pressure off parents trying to set boundaries in a world where “everyone else has it.” But it also raises questions: Should the government decide, or should families be in charge of when and how their kids go online?

The challenge of enforcement

While the goal is clear, enforcing this ban could be challenging. Tech-savvy kids might find ways around age restrictions, creating “ghost” accounts or using alternate profiles. Without effective oversight, the ban could push social media use underground, adding secrecy to the mix and making it harder to monitor.

Susanne Schweizer, Associate Professor at the University of NSW, warns that the ban “could be the silver bullet or backfire terribly.” A one-size-fits-all approach lacks nuance, she says, and “taking away the thing as a whole is not going to be the most effective means of keeping kids safe.”

For some families, setting social media boundaries feels personal, and they may prefer to handle it themselves rather than rely on government intervention. Social media can offer essential support, particularly for kids who feel isolated. Critics of an age-based ban argue that it risks isolating young people who rely on these digital spaces, overlooking the unique needs of each child.

Balancing connection with caution

Australia’s policy brings up a crucial consideration: saying “no” to social media isn’t just about keeping kids offline—it’s about keeping them safe. Social media can offer valuable connection, enabling teens to interact with friends, share interests, and stay informed. A blanket policy might not account for the diverse ways kids benefit from these interactions, and for some, cutting off access could feel isolating.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory notes that social media has both positive and negative impacts. Many teens report that it helps them feel connected, with 67% saying it provides a space to showcase their creativity. But the advisory also warns that problematic use can overstimulate reward centers in the brain, leading to addictive patterns.

Building digital literacy at home

Instead of a strict ban, many experts advocate for teaching digital literacy and developing healthier social media habits. If kids understand how social media can affect their mental health, they’re better equipped to make thoughtful decisions. Parents play a significant role here by modeling healthy screen habits and keeping open dialogues about social media use.

Studies suggest that involved parents can help lower the risk of negative impacts by creating a supportive environment for kids to explore social media responsibly. Setting up a family media plan, creating tech-free zones, and teaching kids how to navigate online spaces are all steps that support healthier use.

What this means for U.S. parents

Australia’s age limit proposal invites parents everywhere to consider: How can we guide our kids through the digital world safely? How can we create online spaces that protect their mental health without cutting them off from valuable connections? While we wait to see how Australia’s policy unfolds, we don’t need a government rule to start these conversations at home.

So, let’s use this as a reminder to check in with our kids. Are we creating a space where they feel safe to talk about how social media makes them feel? Are we helping them understand that they don’t need “likes” to feel valued? With steps like establishing media plans, fostering tech-free zones, and modeling responsible use, we can guide our kids toward a healthier relationship with social media—one conversation, one boundary, and one moment of connection at a time.

Sources:

1. Australian states back plan to ban kids under 16 from social media. 2024. AP News. Australian states back national plan to ban children younger than 16 from social media.

2. Teens, Social Media and Technology. 2022. Pew Research Center. Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022.

3. Surgeon General issues advisory on the effects of social media on youth mental health. 2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects Social Media Use Has on Youth Mental Health.

4. Expert warning on Albanese’s social media ban. 2024. 7 News. Experts warn Albanese’s social media ban is not the salve for cyber safety, as grieving parents push for the change.

5. Keeping teens safe on social media. 2023. American Psychological Association. Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids.

6. How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health. 2024. Yale Medicine. How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide.