The impact of social media use by kids is perhaps one of the hottest topics in tech.There’s significant evidence that social media apps like Instagram can be harmful to the mental health of children, while others argue that it can also enable social connection.Australia is currently debating a proposed law which would ban the use of social media by children under the age of 16 years of age … Social media and teen mental health It’s long been established that teenage mental health has dramatically declined over the past decade or so, and that there is at least a correlation with social media usage.
Numerous studies have attempted to determine whether there is a link with increased use of social media apps, and one academic who reviewed the evidence said the answer is now clearly yes.The American Psychological Association (APA) last year advised parents to monitor and manage social media usage by children up to 14 years of age.Hundreds of lawsuits have also been brought against social media companies for deliberately seeking to get teens addicted to their apps.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is among those who have expressed concern about the potential harm technology can do to mental health.Australia debating a ban for under 16s reports that the Australian government is debating a ban.Messaging and gaming platforms would be excluded from the ban.
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