UK, France mull social media bans for youth as debate rages

Supporters of a ban warn that action needs to be taken to tackle deteriorating mental health among young people, but others say the evidence is inconclusive and want a more nuanced approach. Australia last month became the first nation to prohibit people under-16s from using immensely popular and profitable social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube. France is currently debating bills for a similar ban for under-15s, including one championed by President Emmanuel Macron.