A proposed ban on children under 16 from social media by the Australian government may seem like a solution for parents but could worsen the youth mental health crisis. Instead, experts suggest a cooperative approach involving governments, tech companies, and communities to create safer online environments. This includes “safety-by-design” principles, tighter regulations, and education for children to handle online risks. Engaging children in building these safer digital spaces is key to their well-being and growth.Why Banning Kids from Social Media Won’t Solve the Youth Mental Health Crisis
A proposed ban on children under 16 from social media by the Australian government may seem like a solution for parents but could worsen the youth mental health crisis. Instead, experts suggest a cooperative approach involving governments, tech companies, and communities to create safer online environments. This includes “safety-by-design” principles, tighter regulations, and education for children to handle online risks. Engaging children in building these safer digital spaces is key to their well-being and growth.