Banning social media for certain age groups is ineffective, according to experts.

Experts in mental health have raised concerns about the government's proposal to set a minimum age for social media use, stating that it is a simplistic approach and could potentially harm the mental health of young people. This comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for restrictions on popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, in an effort to address the growing concerns about youth mental health.

The statistics are alarming, with more than 40 percent of Year 12 students reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression above the average, and suicide being the leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 17. However, Beyond Blue spokesperson Luke Martin believes that social media is not solely to blame for these issues, and simply cutting off young people's access to it will not solve the problem.

"While there has been a 50 percent increase in rates of mental health conditions among young people in the last 15 years, the research is still inconclusive on what exactly is causing this rise," Martin explained. "Despite the focus on social media, it is likely a combination of various factors that are contributing to this issue."

He went on to say that social media can have a negative impact on youth mental health, especially when they are exposed to harmful content. However, Martin fears that implementing age restrictions will not make these platforms any safer, as they will be difficult to enforce and young people may find ways to bypass them.

"If these restrictions push social media underground and young people are using it secretly, they may not feel comfortable opening up to adults about their experiences," he warned.

Caroline Thain, the National Clinical Advisor for Headspace, shares these concerns and believes that the government needs to consider other factors that can contribute to youth mental health, such as climate change, poverty, and job insecurity. She also emphasizes the importance of not solely blaming social media for these issues.

While social media does have its dangers, such as cyberbullying and exposure to explicit content, it also serves as a valuable tool for young people to connect with their peers, gain social skills, and stay informed about current events and societal issues. Cutting them off from these platforms entirely would also mean denying them access to these positive aspects.

It is no surprise that young Australians are against the proposed age restrictions, and Thain believes that policymakers need to listen to their voices. She also emphasizes the importance of involving young people in discussions and decision-making processes that directly affect them.

Instead of implementing blanket age restrictions, Martin and Thain suggest that the government focus on regulating social media platforms and making them safer for young people, regardless of their age. This can include providing more control over algorithms and newsfeeds, as well as education on how to use social media in a positive and safe manner.

Martin also believes that parents and teachers should receive more education on how to promote healthy social media use for young people. He stresses that it is not about whether or not they use social media, but how they use it that matters most.

In terms of youth mental health, Thain states that it is a much broader issue than just social media use and calls for a more nuanced discussion. She believes that if the government truly wants to address depression and anxiety rates in young people, they need to consider various factors and involve young people in the conversation.

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