A US psychologist prescribed a social media ban for kids. How did Australia become the test subject?

The Guardian12/7/2025 • Last cited 12/14/2025

Summary

Australia has enacted world-first legislation to ban social media for children, with the law set to take effect on December 10, 2025, following rapid approval in federal parliament. The initiative was influenced by concerns raised in Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," as noted by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas in an ABC interview.

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Lindy Score Breakdown

35
Age (0-35)
38 days
4
Velocity (0-40)
1 source (low traction)
8
Tier (0-10)
The Guardian
0
Breadth (0-15)
1 unique
Total Score47/100

Related Story Timeline

  1. 2025-11-04
    Reddit will be included in Australia's looming under-16 social media ban (Engadget)
  2. 2025-12-07
    A US psychologist prescribed a social media ban for kids. How did Australia become the test subject? (current)
  3. 2025-12-10
    Kids locked out of social media apps after Australia's world-first ban (BBC)
  4. 2025-12-12
    Reddit argues it isn’t like other social platforms in case against Australia’s social media ban (TechCrunch)

Score BreakdownRisk 35

Source Reputation: Moderate trust (8/20 pts)
Consensus: Single source - no independent confirmation yet
Age: 38 days - proven survivor

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