2026-07-16 11:00:21

Scientists have warned that sweeping restrictions on teenagers’ access to social media could do more harm than good, arguing that blanket bans fail to address the underlying causes of problematic online behaviour.

In a paper published in the British Medical Journal, researchers said policies similar to those being introduced or considered around the world, including Australia’s under-16 social media ban and proposals in the European Union, Britain and elsewhere, risk producing unintended consequences while leaving the root issues unchanged.

According to the researchers, banning access to major platforms could simply encourage young people to migrate to private or less regulated online spaces that are more difficult for parents, educators and authorities to monitor.

The paper also warns that large technology companies may adapt to new regulations in much the same way as the tobacco and alcohol industries have in the past, potentially redefining what qualifies as social media, investing in less regulated services or attempting to influence policymaking through lobbying and public messaging.

Researchers also stressed that restrictions are unlikely to affect all teenagers equally.

Young people with strong family support and access to educational opportunities may cope better than those experiencing isolation, unsafe home environments or limited support networks, who often rely on online communities for connection.

One adolescent contributor to the paper said: “Social media platforms are a place where friendships are made, where people can find communities, express themselves, learn new things, and sometimes a place to escape difficult situations.”

The contributor added: “I have had friends reach out to me on social media about things they aren’t comfortable talking to family members about, and I have done the same. Without social media, what could we have done?”

The researchers also argued that many teenagers would simply switch to alternative platforms if popular services were banned.

Instead of blanket restrictions, the team called for policies that assess wider impacts, including effects on education, social relationships, platform behaviour and long-term wellbeing.

The researcher concluded: “Without this wider view, governments risk introducing highly visible policies that are poorly understood and may cause unintended harm while leaving root causes unchanged.”

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