Ban social media for kids? This California lawmaker says Australia is on to something

"Roughly two decades after social media started growing in popularity, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023 raising the possibility that too much screen time might negatively impact a young person's mental health. Such concerns aren't isolated to the United States; just last month, Australia became the first country to implement a social media ban for children under the age of 16."

"According to the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's advisory, more research is needed to fully understand social media's impact, but a growing body of research suggests possible detrimental effects. While social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents, the report said."

"The American Psychological Association reports that many teens spend nearly five hours a day on social media, with over half spending at least four hours each day on such platforms. In addition, the association said teens who use social media most frequently report suffering from poor mental health at higher rates, including a greater tendency to think about suicide or self-harm."

The U.S. Surgeon General issued a 2023 advisory raising concerns that excessive screen time may harm young people's mental health. Australia implemented a social media ban for children under 16. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal visited Australia, met with policymakers and stakeholders, and returned with ideas to protect California youth and online users. A growing body of research suggests possible detrimental effects of social media, though more research is needed. The American Psychological Association reports many teens spend nearly five hours daily on social media, and frequent users report higher rates of poor mental health, including suicidal ideation or self-harm. Rising youth suicide, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are attributed to excessive social media use and related social pressures such as body image obsession.

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