Thu Nov 07 23:48:47 UTC 2024: ## Australia Bans Social Media for Under 16s to Protect Children’s Mental Health

**Canberra, Australia** – The Australian government has taken a bold step to protect children from the potential harms of social media by introducing a new law that bans users under the age of 16 from accessing these platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, citing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s well-being, announced the measure on Thursday. “I’ve spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles,” he said. “They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online.”

Experts have long warned of the negative consequences of excessive social media use for children, including mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Dr Jagdish Kathwate, a consultant neonatologist and pediatrician, highlights the exposure to disturbing content and the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards as major concerns.

Dr Shreya Dubey, a consultant in neonatology and pediatrics, adds that excessive social media use can lead to sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity, contributing to further health problems.

The new law will place the responsibility on social media platforms to ensure that users under 16 are not accessing their services. While penalties for breaching the age limit will be applied to the platforms, parents and children will not be held responsible.

“The onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access,” Prime Minister Albanese stated. “The onus won’t be on parents or young people.”

This legislation follows a growing global concern about the impact of social media on children’s development. Experts recommend that parents take proactive steps to monitor their children’s online activity, engage in open communication about online safety, and set clear limits on screen time.

The Australian government’s decision to ban social media for under-16s is a significant step in addressing the growing concerns surrounding the digital world’s impact on children’s well-being. While the law may be controversial, it aims to create a safer online environment for the country’s youth.

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