Key points:
- Teens around the world react to Australia’s under-16 social media ban
- Some feel relieved, others worry about being cut off from friends
- Experts warn of possible mental health effects and loneliness
- Australian law affects apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and X
SYDNEY: Teens everywhere are talking about Australia’s new rule that stops kids under 16 from using big social media apps. Some think it is good. Others are frustrated and worried about staying connected.
“Nothing is either black or white,” said 19-year-old Pratigya Jena from Mumbai, summarising the mixed feelings about the ban. She stated that social media could be helpful for young people in initiating projects, but children require protection from harmful content.
In Berlin, 13-year-old Luna Drewes called the ban “a good thing in some ways” because social media can be stressful. 15-year-old Enno Caro Brandes said he could not imagine giving it up completely, as reported by straitstimes.com.
In Doha, 16-year-old Firdha Razak said the ban was “really…stupid,” adding that teens need social media to ‘talk to’ family far away. Her friend, 16-year-old Youssef Walid, warned that teens might still use it with VPNs.
In Lagos, 15-year-old Mitchelle Okinedo said she understood the purpose, but social media is part of growing up. Australian teens shared similar mixed feelings about the ban, the Straits Times noted.
The experts warn that the sudden ban could affect mental health, especially for teens who rely on social media for support, according to Reuters. Others say the ban does not resolve the bigger issues, like online safety education or harmful algorithms.
The rule starts on December 10 and affects apps, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and Twitch.
The start of summer holidays in Australia would mean some teens may feel lonely without social media.
