Social media bans – early evidence from Australia and the importance of an evidence-based approach

Bold and decisive action is needed to tackle the acute and chronic harms caused by social media. However, early evidence from Australia points to a range of unintended consequences and a malign compliance strategy from major platforms, with many under 16 accounts still active.

Multiple studies are underway to determine the effectiveness of Australia’s ban and gauge the positive and adverse impacts that may result. Until then, we cannot be confident that a ban risks swapping one failed experiment in children’s safety and wellbeing for another.