In a landmark case before Australia’s highest judicial body, legal advisers for the government have urged a total prohibition on social‑media account creation for anyone below the age of 16. The proposal, described as the world’s first of its kind, is presented as a necessary step to safeguard the neurological development of children, who are increasingly exposed to platforms designed to maximise engagement. Supporters point to mounting evidence linking excessive social‑media use with mental‑health challenges, reduced attention spans, and addictive behaviour patterns among adolescents. By eliminating the possibility of official accounts, they argue, the law would limit exposure to harmful content, targeted advertising and manipulative design features that exploit immature brains. Opponents, including digital‑rights groups and industry representatives, warn that such a blanket ban could infringe on freedom of expression and set a concerning precedent for state control over online activity. They call for more nuanced solutions, such as stricter age‑verification tools and education programmes. Nonetheless, the government maintains that the protective benefits outweigh potential drawbacks. Fuente: Washington Post #Australia #SocialMedia #ChildProtection #Law #HighCourt
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