Australian clinic tackles screen addiction as social media ban looms

rom Wednesday (December 10), Australia will impose a world-first social media ban on under-16s, blocking them from TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Over a million children will lose their accounts during the summer break, a shift that could help by limiting harmful content but also strain mental health by cutting off support and social connection.

Dr Daniela Vecchio says, 'The suffering of people who are addicted to gaming and social media, the struggle of their families, and the need for screening, prevention, early intervention, and treatment are highlighted in my interview. Thanks to Reuters, the message is now being spread worldwide.
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Watch the report on Reuters.

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Online gaming escaped Australia's social media ban - but critics say it's just as addictive

Gaming platforms and social media pose similar risks for children: excessive time spent online, and potential exposure to predators, harmful content or bullying. Dr Daniela Vecchio wonders why gaming platforms have not been included in Australia's "world-first" social media ban for under-16s.

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Australia is banning social media for kids under 16. How will it work?

From 10 December, social media companies will have to take "reasonable steps" to ensure that under-16s in Australia cannot set up accounts on their platforms and that existing accounts are deactivated or removed.

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Dopamine Nation by Dr Anna Lembke

In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it.

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