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In a major move to protect children from the dangers of social media, the Australian Government has announced a new policy banning social media use for children under the age of 16. The decision, made on Thursday, was hailed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who emphasized the growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental and emotional well-being. According to Albanese, many parents and family members have expressed deep concerns about the online safety of children, citing the potentially harmful effects of excessive social media use.
The Dark Side of Social Media
While social media has undeniably transformed the way children learn, communicate, and interact, it has also introduced a darker side, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic forced many activities, including education, to shift online. Increased screen time and exposure to digital spaces have become a concern for parents and health experts, who warn about the risks children face on platforms that often promote unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying, and disturbing content.
Dr. Jagdish Kathwate, a Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital in Pune, spoke in an earlier interview about the mental health risks associated with unchecked social media use among children. “Kids who spend excessive time on social media can encounter significant mental health issues. They are often exposed to violent or disturbing content, which can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and frustration. Some children, particularly young girls, may also struggle with poor self-esteem, body image issues, and eating disorders when they try to emulate the appearance of celebrities they follow,” Dr. Kathwate explained.
Mental Health and Physical Well-being at Risk
The Australian Government’s decision to raise the minimum age for social media use to 16 comes after growing evidence that excessive social media use can have long-lasting negative effects on a child’s mental and physical health. The most common issues cited by experts include heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which are exacerbated by the comparison culture that thrives on social media platforms.
Dr. Shreya Dubey, a Consultant in Neonatology & Paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, also highlighted how social media overuse can disrupt sleep patterns. “Children who spend too much time on social media are more likely to experience interrupted or disturbed sleep. Lack of quality sleep can lead to a range of health issues, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which ultimately affects their overall well-being,” she said.
The Role of Social Media Platforms and Parents
Prime Minister Albanese further clarified that the onus of compliance will fall on social media platforms, which will face penalties for allowing children under 16 to access their services. However, he emphasized that the responsibility would not rest on parents or children themselves. “The responsibility will lie with social media companies to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms,” he said.
While the policy aims to curb children’s exposure to the darker side of the internet, it also underscores the importance of responsible digital citizenship. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in managing their children’s online activities and ensuring they are protected from potential harm.
Sources By Agencies
