It feels like we’re finally hitting a tipping point. The harms from social media in young people’s lives have been building for far too long, and bold solutions can’t wait any longer. That’s why what just happened in Australia is extremely exciting. Their new nationwide move marks one of the biggest attempts yet to protect kids online. And as we released a new podcast episode yesterday featuring a mother who lost her 14-year-old son after a tragic connection made through social media, I couldn’t help but think: this is exactly the kind of real-world action families have been desperate for. In today’s blog, I share five key things to understand about what Australia is doing because it’s big, it’s controversial, and it might just spark global change.
Just last month, a study published in JAMA (an excellent medical journal), showed that when teens went off social media for a week, their mental health improved. There is no shortage of research showing similar findings.
So what can be done on a large scale?
Australia is leading the way in answering just that question.
The country is making a major move, and I want us all to know 5 points about what they are attempting to do. I also want our kids and students to understand these five points because it will help them see how serious this is.
Many countries have passed laws to ban cellphones in schools, but Australia is going far beyond that.
Starting December 10, age-restricted social media platforms in Australia must:
Designated Platforms include: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, Twitch, Reddit, Threads, and Kick.
Platforms must show they are taking “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages. Ways they do this include phone or email checks, ID verification, or facial age estimation technology. Teens who are close to turning 16 may still be asked to provide ID if they appear younger.
I am eager to better understand facial age estimation technology.
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Meta starts deactivating accounts on December 4, and Snapchat will let users deactivate for up to 3 years until they turn 16. I believe that if they reactivate it within that time period, their content will still be there.
Overall, young people are being told to download their photos and videos now since Streaks, posts, and followers may be lost.
Our winter is Australia’s summer. Because the rollout lands right before Australia’s long eight-week summer holiday, millions of kids may experience their first break in years without constant scrolling or easy online contact with friends.
This shift is being compared to past safety reforms like seatbelts and cigarette warnings. Other countries are studying Australia’s approach, and similar age verification laws may spread globally.
It is time for bold solutions to the problems social media is creating in young people’s lives. For too long, the harms have continued to grow.
For example, yesterday we released a new podcast episode titled From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Fight Against Snapchat, which features my conversation with Amy Neville, who tragically lost her 14-year-old son after he connected with a drug dealer through social media. He was given a counterfeit OxyContin pill laced with fentanyl.
If you want more specifics about all of this, including pushback coming from young influencers, I recommend this CNN news piece.
Learn more about showing our movies in your school or community!
Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast
Learn more about our Screen-Free Sleep campaign at the website!
Our movie made for parents and educators of younger kids
Join Screenagers filmmaker Delaney Ruston MD for our latest Podcast
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Just last month, a study published in JAMA (an excellent medical journal), showed that when teens went off social media for a week, their mental health improved. There is no shortage of research showing similar findings.
So what can be done on a large scale?
Australia is leading the way in answering just that question.
The country is making a major move, and I want us all to know 5 points about what they are attempting to do. I also want our kids and students to understand these five points because it will help them see how serious this is.
Many countries have passed laws to ban cellphones in schools, but Australia is going far beyond that.
Starting December 10, age-restricted social media platforms in Australia must:
Designated Platforms include: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, Twitch, Reddit, Threads, and Kick.
Platforms must show they are taking “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages. Ways they do this include phone or email checks, ID verification, or facial age estimation technology. Teens who are close to turning 16 may still be asked to provide ID if they appear younger.
I am eager to better understand facial age estimation technology.
Meta starts deactivating accounts on December 4, and Snapchat will let users deactivate for up to 3 years until they turn 16. I believe that if they reactivate it within that time period, their content will still be there.
Overall, young people are being told to download their photos and videos now since Streaks, posts, and followers may be lost.
Our winter is Australia’s summer. Because the rollout lands right before Australia’s long eight-week summer holiday, millions of kids may experience their first break in years without constant scrolling or easy online contact with friends.
This shift is being compared to past safety reforms like seatbelts and cigarette warnings. Other countries are studying Australia’s approach, and similar age verification laws may spread globally.
It is time for bold solutions to the problems social media is creating in young people’s lives. For too long, the harms have continued to grow.
For example, yesterday we released a new podcast episode titled From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Fight Against Snapchat, which features my conversation with Amy Neville, who tragically lost her 14-year-old son after he connected with a drug dealer through social media. He was given a counterfeit OxyContin pill laced with fentanyl.
If you want more specifics about all of this, including pushback coming from young influencers, I recommend this CNN news piece.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! We add new videos regularly and you'll find over 100 videos covering parenting advice, guidance, podcasts, movie clips and more. Here's our most recent:
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Just last month, a study published in JAMA (an excellent medical journal), showed that when teens went off social media for a week, their mental health improved. There is no shortage of research showing similar findings.
So what can be done on a large scale?
Australia is leading the way in answering just that question.
The country is making a major move, and I want us all to know 5 points about what they are attempting to do. I also want our kids and students to understand these five points because it will help them see how serious this is.
Many countries have passed laws to ban cellphones in schools, but Australia is going far beyond that.
Starting December 10, age-restricted social media platforms in Australia must:
Designated Platforms include: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, X, Twitch, Reddit, Threads, and Kick.
Platforms must show they are taking “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages. Ways they do this include phone or email checks, ID verification, or facial age estimation technology. Teens who are close to turning 16 may still be asked to provide ID if they appear younger.
I am eager to better understand facial age estimation technology.
I hear from so many parents who feel conflicted about their own phone habits when it comes to modeling healthy use for their kids. They’ll say, “I tell my kids to get off their screens, but then I’m on mine all the time.” Today I introduce two moms who are taking on my One Small Change Challenge and share how you can try it too.
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This week’s blog explores how influencers and social media promoting so-called “Healthy” ideals — from food rules to fitness fads — can quietly lead young people toward disordered eating. Featuring insights from Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a leading expert on eating disorders, we unpack how to spot harmful messages and start honest conversations with kids about wellness, body image, and what “healthy” really means.
READ MORE >
A growing concern I have is how young girls, some as young as 7 or 8, are becoming fixated on beauty products. In Screenagers Elementary School Age Edition, we show clips of elementary-aged girls talking excitedly about their favorite skin and makeup items. In today's blog I look at how this beauty obsession is reaching younger ages, fueled by pervasive beauty ideals on social media.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
