Australia is set to implement a significant social media ban affecting children under 16, starting on December 10, 2025. This decision follows revelations from internal documents indicating that major tech companies have long been aware of their platforms’ addictive nature, particularly for young users. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that social media can be as addictive as harmful substances, raising alarm among parents and experts alike.
Prominent neuroscientist Dr. Anne-Noël Samaha acknowledges that while she hesitates to label social media as “addictive,” she affirms that these apps can indeed be “habit forming.” Consequently, many children may experience withdrawal symptoms as they adjust to reduced screen time. The Australian government is mandating that social media platforms take reasonable steps to restrict access for young users, with noncompliance potentially leading to fines of up to $49.5 million.
Understanding why social media is so compelling is crucial. These applications are designed to engage users through mechanisms that trigger dopamine release, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Features such as push notifications, likes, and comments are engineered to keep users returning, often at the expense of their well-being. Documents reveal that TikTok modified its push notification system to target users who had only been inactive for a few hours, a strategy aimed at maximizing engagement.
Social media expert Gaia Bernstein explains that such design features exploit vulnerabilities in young users. Infinite scrolling and autoplay functions on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat contribute to compulsive behavior. In fact, internal data from Snap Inc. shows that 45% of Snapchat users aged 13-17 use the app “almost constantly.” This raises concerns about the mental health implications for adolescents who may struggle with self-regulation.
A recent expert report from clinical psychologist Dr. Stuart Murray emphasizes that the adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to sensation-seeking behaviors, which can lead to compulsive social media use. This aligns with findings from court documents indicating that TikTok executives acknowledged the app’s potential for compulsive use among children. One executive noted, “The product in itself has baked into it compulsive use,” highlighting the company’s awareness of the issue.
The challenges posed by social media do not end with withdrawal symptoms. Experts caution that parents should be prepared for emotional responses from their children as they transition away from these platforms. Dr. Samaha warns that feelings of loss and restlessness can arise, though she reassures parents that most children will adjust within weeks rather than years.
To facilitate a smoother transition, experts suggest several strategies for parents. Communication is key; discussing the reasons behind the ban can help children understand its necessity. For instance, explaining that social media has been shown to be unsafe for children can provide context for the changes.
Experts recommend parents wait before responding to emotional outbursts, allowing brief pauses to help children manage their feelings. Keeping phones and devices out of sight can also mitigate urges to engage with social media. Furthermore, parents should model healthy tech usage, demonstrating how to use devices as tools rather than entertainment sources.
Creating new habits is essential for replacing the time spent on social media. Engaging children in alternative activities, such as sports or arts, can fill the dopamine gap left by reduced screen time. Additionally, parents can help children download contacts and phone numbers to maintain their social connections outside of social media.
As the ban approaches, experts stress the importance of addressing potential “tech transfer,” ensuring that children do not simply replace one addictive platform with another, such as video games or AI chatbots. The collective experience of the ban may ease the transition for many children, as they will not feel isolated in their withdrawal.
In response to the growing scrutiny, tech companies like Meta and TikTok have not publicly commented on the impending ban. Snap Inc. stated that features like Snapstreaks are designed to foster meaningful interactions and are voluntary, asserting that they do not use push notifications to encourage usage.
As Australia prepares for this major shift in social media access for young users, the implications of addiction and technology’s role in mental health remain pressing issues. The nation’s proactive approach aims to protect its youth from the potentially harmful effects of prolonged social media engagement.
