Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged social media platforms to comply with the new regulations or face potential fines.
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The Australian government’s initiative to prohibit social media access for individuals under the age of 16 through what is described as ‘world-leading legislation’ has reignited discussions in India regarding the potential implementation of a similar ban. Research and various studies have consistently demonstrated that social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) can be addictive, adversely affecting children’s social and mental development, time management skills, and increasing their vulnerability to cyberbullying.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged social media companies to comply with the new regulations or risk incurring substantial fines. “Social media is causing harm to our children, and I am putting an end to it,” Albanese stated in a press conference. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with social media platforms to prove they are taking adequate measures to restrict access, rather than placing the burden on parents or young users. “There will be no penalties for users,” he clarified.
The advantages and disadvantages of social media have been a contentious topic for some time, and the Australian government’s recent action has once again brought this issue to the forefront.
Teenage addiction
Research indicates that unrestricted screen time can interfere with sleep patterns, hinder academic success, and diminish physical activity, ultimately leading to a decline in overall well-being. The overuse of social media applications tends to promote a more sedentary lifestyle among children.
Additionally, the compulsive nature of social media can adversely affect children’s mental health, resulting in issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly as they measure themselves against the idealized images of others.
As young individuals increasingly rely on texting and social media for communication, their capacity for face-to-face interaction diminishes.
“Adolescents often become engrossed in late-night scrolling, diverting their attention from essential responsibilities. It is crucial to acknowledge that while social media fosters connections, it also imposes a pressure that can be overwhelming for young minds,” states Prerna Kohli, clinical psychologist and founder of MindTribe.in.
Internal research conducted by Facebook, which remained undisclosed for two years until reported in 2021, revealed the detrimental effects of its Instagram platform, particularly on teenage girls. The findings underscored Instagram’s negative impact on body image and the superficial standards of validation based on appearance. Approximately 32% of girls surveyed reported feeling dissatisfied with their bodies, stating that “Instagram made them feel worse.” Furthermore, teenagers attributed an increase in anxiety and depression to the platform.
“Young people often find themselves comparing their lives to the curated images they see online, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. The quest for validation through likes and comments can foster a dependence on external approval, eroding their self-confidence and emotional resilience,” remarks Rupali Makhijani, a high school counselor based in the Nilgiris.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has released a health advisory concerning the use of social media by adolescents, highlighting that excessive or ‘problematic social media use’ can negatively impact their capacity to fulfill daily responsibilities and routines. Furthermore, the advisory warns that such usage may lead to more significant psychological issues over time.
The advisory states, “Research shows that technology use, especially within an hour before sleep, and social media engagement in particular, correlates with sleep disturbances. Inadequate sleep is linked to interruptions in neurological development in the brains of adolescents, as well as affecting their emotional well-being and increasing the risk of suicide.”
Curbing the menace
Australia has not implemented a complete internet blockade or restricted access to information. However, it has limited access to platforms such as Instagram and Facebook due to their detrimental effects on adolescents, which include issues like negative body image, social anxiety, and digital addiction.
Once developed nations with higher internet engagement and literacy experience such a social media prohibition, India may consider adopting similar measures.
Ms. Makhijani notes, “A student I was assisting had a clinical diagnosis of depressive disorder and was seen by their parent using a website that facilitates anonymous connections.” She suggests that a ban could encourage a shift towards healthier offline interactions and real-world activities, fostering a more balanced environment for youth to flourish.
Limiting social media usage can greatly decrease the likelihood of cyberbullying, online harassment, and body shaming. This approach can also encourage children and adolescents to engage in outdoor physical activities.
For those young individuals who have already been exposed to social media, there may be resistance to such restrictions, potentially leading to rebellion or extreme reactions. This situation could also create rifts between parents and children, resulting in stress and a breakdown of trust.
Dr. Kohli emphasizes that a more sustainable strategy involves guiding teenagers towards healthy online practices and responsible usage. “Encouraging open conversations about risks and establishing screen-time limits with parental support can be beneficial,” she states.
She further adds, “Families and educational institutions can collaborate to help teenagers develop self-esteem and resilience. Rather than imposing a ban on social media, we should teach children to navigate it wisely, helping them to enjoy its benefits without becoming overwhelmed by the pursuit of likes.” Australian Prime Minister Albanese has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of a ban, questioning whether it would provide an immediate solution, citing the ineffectiveness of alcohol restrictions in curbing underage drinking in his country. This perspective is similarly applicable to India, where alcohol bans have frequently backfired, leading to an increase in illicit liquor sales and resulting in numerous fatalities in regions where alcohol is prohibited.
