US EditionRobin Abcarian: Australia Just Banned Kids From Social Media. Shouldn't We All?
Australia’s new law restricts under-16s from major social media platforms, citing mental health risks linked to depression and anxiety, according to government officials.
- On December 10, Australia implemented a nationwide ban on social media for under-16s, becoming the first country to enforce such a rule.
- Officials cited studies linking Snapchat and TikTok to teen fentanyl deaths and Instagram to content promoting eating disorders, while parents filed wrongful-death lawsuits over AI chatbots.
- Legal filings show Reddit has filed a legal challenge and last month a mother sued Roblox and Discord after her 12-year-old met a predator, while critics say major platforms prioritize growth over child safety.
- The move has already prompted celebration from U.S. parents, family advocates and politicians, while Julie Inman Grant, e-safety minister , called the ban the 'first domino' as Denmark, French officials, and U.S. states consider similar measures.
- Opponents argue bans risk letting politicians replace parents and call such measures 'nanny-statism', while critics of the ban warn they restrict freedom and proponents of public awareness campaigns urge alternatives.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Mohave Daily NewsRobin Abcarian: Australia just banned kids from social media. Shouldn't we all?
Last week, Australia became the first country in the world to enact a social media ban for kids under 16. As the children of Oz wept and gnashed their...
Comment: Australia banned kids from social media; and we wait?
HeraldNet.com HeraldNet.com - Everett and Snohomish County news from The Daily Herald in Everett, Washington Other countries are considering bans. Considering the harms we now understand, we must do so, too. Comment: Australia banned kids from social media; and we wait? Wire Service
Growing Consensus of Americans Want to Shield Teens From Social Media’s Grip
Editor’s Note: There is a very clear slippery slope when it comes to internet bans, but an even more slippery slope when it comes to government involvement with children. The populist perspective is that social media bans for children would be good, but these polls hit people in their emotions and surface level thoughts. We must really think through and debate such things before any government actions are taken. Here’s the article… A recent Fox …
Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat and Co are off-limits for young people under the age of 16 in Australia from now on. While similar rules are being discussed in Germany, one is already a step further elsewhere.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
