Australia has taken centre stage on the global arena after passing landmark legislation raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16. The reforms, unveiled at the United Nations in New York, have been hailed by experts and world leaders as a “historic breakthrough” for child protection.
Renowned psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the best-selling The Anxious Generation, praised the move as “the biggest step ever taken to protect children.” He noted that his research has documented a steep decline in youth mental health linked to the rise of smartphones and social media. “What Australia has done is world-changing. But real change requires collective action,” Haidt said, stressing that both parents and governments need to work together against the pressures of tech giants.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also addressed the UN event, praising the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The European Union is now exploring similar legislation.
Haidt warned that companies like Meta cannot be challenged by one country alone: “But if many countries act at the same time, they can’t stop it.”
While sweeping federal action in the United States is unlikely, Haidt is optimistic that individual states and schools will follow Australia’s example. Many US schools have already banned phones, with dramatic effects. “The universal comment is, ‘we hear laughter in the hallways again — something missing for the last decade,’” he said.
Australia’s initiative is already being seen as a global turning point in efforts to shield young people from the harmful impacts of digital dependence.
