By: Johanne Pillay
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced that his government will legislate to ban social media for children under 16.
The move aims to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive screen time and encourage healthier, offline lifestyles.
“I want kids to have a childhood,” Albanese stated. “I want them off their devices and onto the footy field, onto the netball courts, and having real experiences with real people.”
This landmark decision has sparked conversations among parents, educators, and child development experts, including Natalie Nicholls, a child learning specialist. Natalie shared her insights on how social media affects young brains and what parents can do to foster healthier habits.
The Impact of Social Media on Developing Brains
Children’s and teens’ brains are still in critical stages of growth, said Natalie, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of rapid and repetitive stimuli like social media.
“When kids are scrolling through social media, their brains aren’t developed enough to process the rapid influx of information,” she said. “It trains them to crave instant gratification, which can hurt their ability to focus and build resilience.”
She emphasised the importance of activities that require sustained attention, such as playing sports, cooking, or reading.
“These activities help grow neural pathways that teach patience, critical thinking, and emotional regulation—skills that kids miss out on when they’re glued to their screens.”
The Emotional Toll of Screen Time
Excessive social media use can also have emotional repercussions. Natalie highlighted how platforms often reward users with likes and shares, creating a cycle of “dopamine-driven reinforcement”.
“This constant need for external validation can lead to a loss of intrinsic motivation,” she said. “In life, not everything comes with a reward, and kids need to learn to find joy and satisfaction in long-term efforts, not just instant wins.”
Building Boundaries: What Parents Can Do
Many parents struggle with managing their children’s screen time, especially when social media is a primary way for kids to connect with peers. Natalie offered practical advice:
- Set Clear Boundaries: “Kids need structure,” she said. “For example, in my house, phones go into the centre console of the car. No exceptions.”
- Encourage Alternatives: Provide engaging offline options like family games, outdoor activities, or creative projects.
- Explain the Why: “Tell your kids, ‘Your brain isn’t ready yet. I’m making this decision because I love you.’”
- Limit Time: If social media use is allowed, restrict it to specific times and ensure it happens in shared spaces like the living room.
The Importance of Real Connections
Social media often replaces meaningful interactions with surface-level exchanges. Natalie noted that this shift impacts kids’ ability to build deep relationships and develop emotional intelligence.
“When we were kids, we had to call someone on the phone and maybe even talk to their parents first,” she reminisced.
“That kind of interaction taught us social skills. Texting or liking posts doesn’t do the same thing.” She encouraged families to prioritise face-to-face interactions, whether through family meals, walks, or shared hobbies.
Moving Forward Together
While the Prime Minister’s proposed legislation marks a significant step, Natalie stressed that real change starts at home. “As parents, we need to take the reins,” she said. “Set the boundaries, explain your reasoning, and stick to them. It’s not about being authoritarian—it’s about love.”
The ban might spark debates, but for many families, it represents a chance to reclaim childhood from the grip of social media.
“Our kids’ brains need the time and space to grow,” said Natalie.
“Let’s give them that gift.”
Article supplied with thanks to 98five.
Feature image: Photo by Chris Boese on Unsplash