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ICYMI: Australia just passed a major law that’s got everyone talking—a social media ban. Here’s everything you need to know on the new ban, what it means and how it could change the way you scroll.

Australia’s new law says those under 16 won’t be able to have accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and more.

If these platforms don’t do enough to keep underage users off, they could face fines as high as $33 million (yep, you read that right). But don’t worry—if a kid sneaks past the rules, they won’t be in trouble. The responsibility falls on the platforms to keep things age-appropriate.

So, why the ban?

Here’s the thing: social media isn’t all fun TikTok dances and aesthetic IG pics. Research shows that while it’s great for keeping in touch with friends and staying in the loop, too much scrolling (we’re talking three hours a day) can lead to stress, low self-esteem and even tech addiction.

While social media has its perks, the stats about its impact on mental health are srsly eye-opening. A recent study found that almost 40% of teens who use social media struggle with feelings of sadness—and it gets even worse for girls. The same study showed that teenage girls who are social media users are twice as likely as boys to have suicidal thoughts. They’re also more likely to face bullying, both at school and online.

Parents and lawmakers are worried that current age limits aren’t being enforced enough, and that's a major reason why the law is stepping up to protect kids from online dangers like cyberbullying.

The ultimate goal? To help protect mental health *and* keep the internet a safe space for youth.

The pros and the potential probs

It’s complicated—experts are divided on whether this law will truly help or create new problems. Here's what they're citing as the top benefits and potential drawbacks:

The pros: 
+ It's giving parents major peace of mind knowing their kids might be safer online.
+ Less screen time = more time for fun hobbies, outdoor adventures, and *actually* hanging with friends.
+ It might help cut down on those endless scrolling sessions that mess with your sleep schedule.

The possible probs: 
+ For teens who find support in online communities or aspiring content creators under 16, they might miss out on big opportunities to share their creativity and make them feel more alone.
+ It doesn’t fix issues like unrealistic beauty standards or toxic trends—those problems are still out there.
+ Enforcing the ban might be harder than it sounds—some teens might bend the rules, which could create more privacy risks.

What's next and what it means for you

The ban won't happen overnight—it will take about a year to fully roll out. During that time, the government and social media platforms will work out all the deets to (hopefully) find a balance between safety and staying connected.

But, even if you’re not in Australia, this law could inspire similar changes around the world. No matter where you live, it’s a good reminder to think about how social media fits into your life. Are you using it to stay in touch with friends or stressing over likes and follows?

Bottom line: This won't be the last time social media rules have sparked conversations (or the first, peep the TikTok ban debates or the KOSA Act), it's only just getting started. Whether you’re team ban or not, it’s clear that protecting teens in the digital age is *so* important and the focus on online safety and mental health is here to stay.

Going on a social media cleanse? Dive into more GL instead:
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by Maggie Zhang | 12/4/2024