Do you watch videos on YouTube, post on Instagram, and talk to your friends on Snapchat? In Australia, however, kids and teens age cannot. Next year, social media will be banned for every child aged 16 and younger. This has arisen after many people from across the world are growing more concerned about the effects social media can have on kids.

On social media, nothing is private. When you post something, anyone can see it. This can lead to kids feeling left out. In addition, you can see anything on social media, from funny skits to awful and cruel content. This has made many parents angered at the little effort the government makes to prevent it. 

Australia is at the forefront of this new initiative to prevent social media. Companies that don’t follow this new law can be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million USD).  To learn more about the effects of social media on kids the following articles may provide additional information:

Mind Over Matter: Dopamine and Discontent: A Case Study on the Impact of Social Media Algorithms on Mental Health and The Psychology of FOMO: Understanding the Fear of Missing Out, both written by Alaina Ferrara.