PARIS: The United Kingdom (UK) and France are exploring measures to restrict children and some teenagers from using social media, following Australia’s recent ban on users under 16. The move has sparked a heated debate among experts over its effectiveness and potential consequences.
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Supporters of the proposed bans argue that urgent action is needed to address rising mental health issues among young people. Critics, however, contend that evidence linking social media use to mental health problems is inconclusive and advocate for a more nuanced approach.
Australia became the first country to ban platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for those under 16. France is currently debating similar legislation for under-15s, including a bill supported by President Emmanuel Macron.
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a supporter of the Australian ban, warned that excessive screen time is “rewiring children’s brains” and fueling a mental health crisis. However, other researchers, including Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers, argue that Haidt’s claims are not fully supported by scientific evidence.
Studies suggest that both excessive use and total restriction of social media can negatively affect teens. Research from the University of Adelaide showed that moderate use is linked to the best mental wellbeing, while heavy use or complete avoidance can be detrimental. Girls appear most affected by overuse, whereas complete deprivation can harm boys in their later teens.
Experts such as French psychiatrist Serge Tisseron caution that outright bans may be bypassed by tech-savvy teens and relieve parents of their responsibilities. Some, including Cambridge researcher Amy Orben, recommend monitoring Australia’s experiment over the next year before implementing similar policies in Europe.
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Australia’s online safety watchdog reported that over 4.7 million accounts have already been blocked for users under 16, highlighting both the scale of the policy and the challenge of enforcement.