Following Australia’s move to restrict youth access to social media, the United Kingdom and France are now considering similar bans aimed at protecting children and teenagers from online harm.
Proposed legislation would prevent users under 16 from accessing platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, as governments respond to growing concerns over declining mental health among young people.
Supporters of the ban argue that urgent action is required, with psychologists warning that excessive screen use can negatively affect brain development and contribute to rising anxiety and depression levels.
Read more : UK and France consider social media restrictions for youth
However, experts remain divided, as some researchers question the strength of existing evidence, arguing that social media alone cannot fully explain worsening mental health trends among adolescents.
In France, health authorities have acknowledged that social media poses risks, particularly for teenage girls, while stressing that broader social and environmental factors also play a significant role.
Meanwhile, several academics suggest observing the outcomes of Australia’s policy first, noting that its real-world impact and unintended effects should become clearer within the next year.