Several countries, including France and Britain, are considering social media bans for children and some teenagers, following Australia’s lead. Experts remain divided on the effectiveness of such measures.
Australia recently became the first country to prohibit people under 16 from using major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Authorities reported that 4.7 million accounts for under-16 users have already been blocked.
Supporters of social media bans argue that these platforms contribute to declining mental health among young people. American psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a supporter of the Australian approach, claims that excessive screen time is rewiring children’s brains and “causing an epidemic of mental illness.” His 2024 book, The Anxious Generation, has influenced policymakers in the UK and France.
However, critics question the science behind the claims. Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers called Haidt’s arguments “not supported by evidence,” noting that links between social media use and mental health problems remain complex. Michael Noetel of the University of Queensland suggested that while social media can harm teens, the overall effect is moderate and context-dependent.
France is actively debating social media bans for under-15s. President Emmanuel Macron has supported legislation aimed at limiting online use for children. The French public health watchdog, ANSES, noted that social media can harm adolescents, particularly girls, though it is not the sole factor affecting mental wellbeing.
Research highlights the nuances of the issue. A study from the University of Adelaide found that teens with moderate social media use fared better than those with heavy use or total restriction. Girls were more negatively impacted by excessive use, while boys suffered most when completely deprived of social media.
Experts urge careful regulation rather than outright bans. French psychiatrist Serge Tisseron described social media as “appallingly toxic,” but warned that bans could be easily bypassed by tech-savvy teens and might reduce parental accountability. Amy Orben, a Cambridge researcher, suggested monitoring Australia’s experience before implementing similar measures elsewhere.
The debate over social media bans reflects growing concern about online safety, mental health, and the best way to protect children without restricting their digital participation entirely.
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