The NSW government has announced a social media summit in October to address escalating worries about the impact of social media on children and adolescents.
Research indicates an increased risk of poor mental health, depression, and anxiety among young social media users.
Premier Chris Minns proposed raising the age limit for social media access from 13 to 16, though experts caution this measure, in isolation, may not address the root causes and emphasise the need for systemic solutions.
Mr Minns said the summit aimed to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect young people online and create a safer online environment for the younger generation.
UOW School of Education Associate Professor Jessica Mantei said banning anything in the internet system would have its challenges.
“I think bans of any kind historically have been problematic and I think banning something now or shifting an age in that way will come with its challenges,” she said.
According to NSW Government-Education young children who spend three hours or more on social media face twice the risk of experiencing negative mental health consequences.
The NSW government said it would use the findings of the summit to help make any necessary changes.
