Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to implement a new law banning children under 16 from using social media, citing concerns over the impact of social media on young people's mental health. The law, which was passed by the government last month, will require social media companies to verify users' ages and prevent minors from accessing their platforms. Social media giants such as X, formerly known as Twitter, have been critical of the legislation, with Elon Musk, who has been named Donald Trump's government efficiency chief, calling it a "backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians". The law carries fines of up to Aus$50 million for non-compliance.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/australian-pm-ready-to-engage-with-musk-on-social-media-teen-banAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media companies from allowing people under the age of 16 to access their platforms without parental consent. The move is aimed at reducing online harm, particularly bullying, which has led to tragic consequences for some families. Social media giants such as X, formerly known as Twitter, will face fines of up to Aus$50 million if they fail to comply with the new law. Albanese has stated that social media companies have a responsibility to prevent minors from accessing their platforms and has vowed to implement the legislation within the next 12 months.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/australias-pm-says-he-is-ready-to-engage-with-musk-on-social-media-ban-for-teens-amid-backlash-13840461.htmlThe Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has implemented a new law banning social media platforms from forcing users under the age of 16 to provide personal identity information, including digital IDs, to verify their age. The policy aims to protect children and teenagers from the negative impacts of excessive social media use, which research suggests can lead to psychological issues and low self-esteem. Despite concerns about freedom of expression and privacy, the law has been approved by parliament with a majority vote. Social media companies face fines of up to AU$50 million for non-compliance. The ban has sparked heated debates among parents, experts, and the public, with some welcoming it as a necessary measure to protect children while others see it as an overreach of government authority.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1947400/heres-why-australia-is-banning-social-media-for-children-teens-under-age-of-16Ariana Grande's appearance at the premiere of a new movie in Los Angeles has raised concerns among her fans, who have expressed worries about her health and weight. Fans took to social media to comment on her noticeably thinner frame, with some expressing concern that she may be struggling with her mental health. A source stated that fans are too scared to address her weight due to the potential impact it could have on young fans, but also feel concerned for her well-being.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1256975-ethan-slater-anxious-for-girlfriend-ariana-grandes-fragile-lookCarly Kind, the Privacy Commissioner, has expressed concerns about the impact of social media on teenagers. She suggests that social media companies have a responsibility to make their platforms safer for young people, but notes that simply dismissing them from these platforms is not a viable solution.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-ve-turned-kids-into-outlaws-it-won-t-work-but-we-can-still-make-social-media-safer-for-them-20241201-p5kuv0.htmlThe issue of social media's impact on teenagers' mental health has been a pressing concern for world leaders since Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed internal emails in 2021 indicating the tech company was aware of its platform's negative effects. Despite a recommendation by the US surgeon general in 2023 to display health warnings on social media, lawmakers from countries such as Florida and France have struggled to address the issue due to concerns over free speech, privacy, and the limitations of age-checking technology.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/01/opinion/world/australian-social-media-ban-started-with-call-to-act-by-politicians-wife/2013687According to police and media reports in Russia, workplace stress has increased by 35% despite high labor demand. This trend is not supported by concrete research on the impact of the military situation on Russian society's mental health. However, indirect indicators such as a rise in alcohol consumption suggest that the population's psycho-social state is deteriorating.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/931662-rising-alcohol-consumption-in-russia-the-social-and-economic-consequences-of-the-war-in-ukraineDr. Ahmed, a UK-based general practitioner and TikTok content creator, has highlighted four signs that may indicate an individual has undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Ahmed's video aims to raise awareness about the condition, which can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. The signs he discussed include difficulty sleeping or experiencing nightmares, feeling on edge or easily startled, avoiding activities or places that remind them of the traumatic event, and becoming increasingly irritable or angry.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14139845/Im-doctor-4-signs-undiagnosed-PTSD.htmlAustralia has passed a law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, making it the first country to do so. The law, which is set to come into effect next year, prohibits the use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit, and X. The government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the move, citing concerns over the impact of social media on children's mental health and well-being. Social media companies will not be required to verify users' ages through digital IDs, but may face fines of up to AU$50 million if they fail to comply with the new law.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/australia-passes-law-banning-children-from-social-media-203102