
Wait…Teens Support a Social Media Ban? Here’s Why
By Movieguide® Contributor
Australia recently prohibited social media for those under 16, and some American teens admitted that they wouldn’t mind if a similar ban occurred in the United States.
“It is not healthy to see the unattainable every day in your face, sucking your attention. Gossip, trends, and bullying constantly in one ear and out the other every day,” a Fountain Valley High School student said. “Say it with me, ‘This. Is. Not. Healthy.’ It is not healthy for adults. It is not healthy for relationships. But it is especially not healthy for growing, impressionable teenagers.”
Australia banned social media for users under 16 citing its harms to mental and overall health.
“We know social media is doing social harm,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “We want Australian children to have a childhood, and we want parents to know the Government is in their corner. This is a landmark reform. We know some kids will find workarounds, but we’re sending a message to social media companies to clean up their act.”
READ MORE: WILL AUSTRALIA BAN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR KIDS UNDER 16?
American teens know firsthand the dangers of social media.
“Getting social media at 13 significantly altered my life and affected my mentality for the worse. Comparing myself to other girls online, getting upset when the new ‘trending insecurity’ is circulating, and not being able to show your true identity are all caused by growing up with ‘restrictions’ on how to be yourself,” another student said.
“As a 16-year-old with social media, I would have been better off without it because it instilled some bad habits like doomscrolling when I need to get up in the morning to doing nothing on a beautiful Saturday morning,” a Union High School student added. “I think I would have had a better time running around, playing outside when I was younger instead of staying home and watching YouTube all day.”
While no federal bill proposing a social media ban for those under 16 is in the works in the US, a recent poll revealed 6 in 10 Americans would support such legislation, The Hill reported.