On December 10th, 2025 Australia initiated a ban on social media for adolescents under the age of 16, known as The Online Safety Amendment Act. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and YouTube are now restricted for that age group. These platforms were ordered by the Australian government to prevent new users under 16 from creating an account and to remove access from existing members under 16.

The Australian government has cited many reasons as to why they have decided to implement the ban. For example, social media has brought about a rise of cyberbullying, harassment, stalking, impersonation, and the spread of misinformation.

As of 2024, The World Health Organization stated that 15% of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying, which makes it one of the prime reasons for the ban. 

The government has also cited issues with harmful content. Studies have shown that social media creates a more harmful effect on its young users than good. ScienceNews states that “In recent years, studies have started to show a causal link between teen social media use and reduced well-being or mood disorders, chiefly depression and anxiety.”

However, not everyone believes that social media is inherently harmful towards teens. The Pew Research Center states: “74% of teens say these platforms make them feel more connected to their friends, and 63% say they give them a place to show off their creative side.”

Social media can allow teens a place to showcase their creativity, connect with others, engage with a community, and access educational opportunities. 

When asked about what she predicts the effects of the social media ban will be, Sophia Brennan, a WHS sophomore, expressed that “I think it will definitely have a negative impact on social lives, since social media can be a form of messaging people use to communicate with their friends.” 

While Wilton High School has not taken action as severe as a social media ban, in November 2024, Wilton High School did ban cell phone use during school hours after the State’s Education Commissioner urged districts to restrict access to smart phones during the school day. The Wilton High School website has cited similar reasons to Australia’s social media ban. Their website notes mental health, safety, and academic engagement as their reasons for the cellphone ban. 

Other countries have said they plan to closely monitor the success of the ban. Many countries like the UK and France are planning to enact similar policies in the future. Is it reasonable to infer that the United States could be next? 

When Wilton High School students were asked if they believe this policy should be implemented in other countries going forward, WHS sophomore Saanvi Chowdhary argued that “this policy could be effective in other countries, but it should not be applied exactly the same everywhere. Different countries have different school systems, cultures, and technology needs. If implemented elsewhere, the policy should allow flexibility and include input from educators, parents, and students.”

When asked the same question Brennan affirmed that “I think the policy of no social media at all is very strict, but I think if other countries were to implement a law like that they should change it to have strict restrictions on social media rather than none at all.”

While they haven’t implemented a total ban, several countries have taken steps to curb young social media use. For example, China has restricted screen time based on age, and France requires parental consent for minors to use social media. 

When asked if she thinks there are better ways to solve the problem of social media use, Chowdhary reiterated that “a mix of limits and education may be more effective. Rather than depending only on strict bans, schools could focus on teaching digital responsibility and healthy technology habits. Allowing controlled phone use at certain times, while keeping clear rules during class, could help students develop self-discipline instead of relying entirely on the enforcement of rules.”

Though  the policy is still in its early stages of development, Australia’s social media ban raises a question WHS students may soon have to face: will this growing control over teens’ use of modern technology ultimately hurt or benefit us?