The UK and France are considering following Australia’s lead by banning children and teenagers from using social media, amidst growing concerns over the impact on youth mental health. France is currently debating a bill to ban social media for under-15s, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for protecting children online. The debate is fueled by research suggesting social media has detrimental effects on adolescents, particularly girls, although experts disagree on the effectiveness of a ban.
Some argue that excessive social media use can lead to mental health issues, citing studies that show a correlation between heavy social media use and poor wellbeing. Others advocate for a more nuanced approach, warning that a blanket ban could be counterproductive and absolve parents of responsibility. The Australian experiment, which prohibits under-16s from using social media, is being closely watched, with experts suggesting it may provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of such bans.
