Social media ban needed to protect children's brains
Summary
Australia’s government is defending a world-first ban on social media accounts for children under 16, arguing it is needed to protect their developing brains from addiction, sleep disruption and mental health harms. The High Court is hearing constitutional challenges from Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project, with a ruling expected in the coming months.
Key Points
- Australia’s government says the under-16 social media ban is necessary to protect children’s developing brains and mental health.
- The High Court is hearing challenges from Reddit and the Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project over the ban’s constitutionality.
- Government lawyers cited risks including addiction, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and worsened ADHD symptoms.
- Australia says millions of accounts have been closed since the ban took effect, but many children still bypass age checks.
