What parents need to know about teen social media ban withdrawal
Parents have been warned to expect a “grieving process” as 2.5 million Aussie teens face life without social media. See expert tips to get ready for the ban.
Parents are being warned their young teenagers will suffer “withdrawal symptoms” as they are banned from social media but to stand firm, as “improvements in mental health” will come within weeks.
Experts say that while the short-term adjustment may be uncomfortable — marked by a ‘grieving process’ as teens come to terms with losing the online spaces which dominate many of their lives — the long-term benefits will outweigh any initial distress.
Many believe the ban could ultimately spark one of the most positive mental health shifts seen among young Australians in years.
Under the new rules coming into effect on December 10, major platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube will be required to block anyone under 16 from creating or keeping accounts — a move backed by the federal government as part of efforts to protect children online.
The new legislation was prompted by News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids campaign.
It comes as the eSafety Commissioner unveiled a new education campaign on Friday, with “get-ready guides” for parents, webinars, and school resources designed to help families prepare for the upcoming social media ban.
“From an addiction and mental health lens, it’s entirely possible, even likely, that some teens will experience withdrawal-like effects when social media access is suddenly removed,” former Australian Federal Police officer and crisis intervention specialist Gary Fahey said.
“Social platforms are engineered around dopamine-driven variable rewards such as likes, comments, scrolling and social comparison cycles that mimic the reward mechanisms of gambling and gaming.
“When that constant stimulation stops abruptly, the brain struggles to regulate mood and focus. “Teens may experience irritability, anxiety, restlessness, low mood, disrupted sleep and loss of motivation – the same markers seen when other compulsive behaviours are interrupted.”
Mr Fahey said parents would also see their children endure a “grieving process” as they “have grown up in an environment where their social identity and belonging are intertwined with online spaces.”
The adjustment may be even tougher as the legislation comes into effect at the start of school holidays and the lead-up to Christmas, a period when teens lose both their daily routines and regular peer contact.
While research on teens stopping social media is limited, experts point to evidence from young adults that offers a useful guide.
TIPS ON HOW TO GET READY FOR THE SOCIAL MEDIA BAN
Senior Research Fellow in Psychology at Flinders University Dr Simon Wilksch said the first week offline can be particularly challenging.
“Over the first week, the general pattern is to see a spike in anxiety, irritability, and lower mood. Some consider these withdrawal-type effects, like ceasing an addictive substance,” he said.
Dr Wilksch said studies following young adults over two or more weeks showed improvements in mental health, including reductions in depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO).
“One of the reasons social media can be so compelling is the algorithms, the pushing of inappropriate content and advertising with deadly precision that preys on young people’s desire to fit in and be liked by others,” he said.
“For under 16-year-olds already on social media, the reaction is likely to be mixed at first, but the break will probably lead to benefits over time.
“The legislation will give them and their families a reprieve from being pressured to sign up.”
Dany Elachi, co-founder of The Heads Up Alliance, said the coming changes offer families a valuable opportunity to reconnect offline.
“As best as they can, parents should explain to their children that this ‘not yet’ is intended to open the door wide open to much greater possibilities,” he said.
“Together with our children, we can look at fresh and more meaningful ways to stay connected with friends and family. Your teen should also be reminded that the majority of his/her peers will also be off social media. This will hopefully reduce FOMO because ‘when everyone misses out, no one misses out’.”
Mr Elachi said parents can also use the timing of the change to their advantage by encouraging outdoor activities and real-world connection.
“Humans have done childhood without social media for millennia. And we’ll be able to do it again. The sun will rise on December 10 — the kids are going to be okay,” he said.
“In fact, if we continue to pull together in a positive spirit, Australian children will soon be the envy of the world.
“Of course, for some teens who might be clinically addicted, they may need to visit a health professional. Parents should not wait until December to seek out this assistance.”
For Jordan Lingohr, 25, the shift away from social media is already underway.
His start-up Locked – a device that physically blocks apps to help users disconnect – has struck a chord with young Australians wanting to spend less time online.
“Our generation was the first to grow up online, and our parents are the first generation to learn how to deal with this issue. It’s all new to everyone,” he said.
“Young people now realise that life wasn’t always this complicated, and there was once a time when you could be yourself without being judged, recorded, and silenced.”
MUM’S PLEA FOR ‘STRICTER SOCIAL MEDIA RULES’
For mum Bernadette Cullen, the upcoming social media ban for under-16s is stirring mixed emotions.
“I’ve always been involved in what my kids do online,” Ms Cullen said.
“I still have access to my daughter Mila’s accounts and check her followers to make sure she’s safe. I block anyone I’m not comfortable with.
“I do think social media needs much stricter rules … what we really need are stronger penalties for bullying and for people who misuse it.”
Her 14-year-old daughter Mila is a dedicated dancer who has built a small but growing following online, posting videos of her routines and connecting with other young performers and mentors.
With the ban approaching, she’s now having to think about how she’ll maintain those connections and continue sharing her progress without relying on social media.
And with her older sister Natalia, 16, still able to use social media, Mila knows she’ll be navigating the change largely on her own.
“I use social media to stay in touch with my friends and to share my dance journey,” she said.
“It’s how we all keep up with each other every day. I’m worried it will feel really lonely without it.”
Ms Cullen said the once the ban comes into effect, she will be helping her daughter “stay connected” in other ways.
“She’ll be doing more in person catch ups with her friends through dance events and at her studio,” she said.
“Plus she can still keep in touch through text messages and phone calls. It will be an adjustment but I think there could be some real positives too.
“It might give kids a chance to spend more time together face-to-face and for families to reconnect a bit more away from screens.”
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Originally published as What parents need to know about teen social media ban withdrawal
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