Imagine a world where the silence of a deactivated app echoes louder than the constant buzz of notifications. As governments around the world are working towards banning social media platforms for adolescents, people question: Could unplugging be the cure for our mental health crisis– or will it simplify feelings of isolation in a hyperconnected world?

U.S. teens spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media, and this extensive use is linked to poor mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, as reported by the American Psychological Association. Since social media took off in the early 2000s, the rate of adolescent depression significantly spiked.

While these two events coincide, the rise in depression in adolescents may not be directly related. The relationship between social media and mental health is multifaceted with both positive and negative impacts.

While the adolescent mind is still developing, it is easy to influence their opinions.

SHS psychology teacher Robert Morris said, “Adolescents should be very careful when using social media. There are some potential benefits, like connecting with friends and feeling included, but there are also many threats. Social media has been linked to an increase in cyberbullying, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep patterns, and numerous other issues.”

If social media causes more harm than good, why hasn’t more action been taken? Around the world, countries are now realizing social media may not be all it’s cracked up to be. 

Australia’s Social Media Restrictions:

Australia has led the world in this charge by passing one of the strictest internet crackdowns, banning children under 16 from being on social media or opening new accounts. This law will cover major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) and was passed in December 2024. These companies will have one year to take reasonable measures to enforce this law. Non-compliant companies could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately 32 million USD). 

How will companies prevent children from misrepresenting their age?

Julie Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, has been brainstorming these solutions. In an interview with NPR, Grant states, “There are really only three ways you can verify someone’s age online, and that’s through ID, through behavioral signals or through biometrics. All have privacy implications. There was big concern with providing government ID. But some digital identity providers can estimate someone’s age using facial recognition technology.” The search to find an accurate way to identify users’ ages without discrimination or bias continues.

Widespread support is coming from Australian citizens for these new social media regulations, as of November 2024 as shared by Statista.com. An overwhelming majority of people agree with the government’s proposed regulations.

New York City’s Unprecedented Action:

In January 2024, New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, declared social media a public health hazard.

In his State of the City address, Adams said, “Companies like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are fueling a mental health crisis by designing their platforms with addictive and dangerous features.”

Following Adams’ announcement, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene commissioner, issued an advisory offering guidance for parents, healthcare providers, educators, and others to help young people navigate the platforms and be less exposed to negative impacts.

One of Vasan’s suggestions is that young people should monitor their emotions while using social media and plan to focus on activities that bring positive emotions. Kids could promote these feelings by turning off notifications, increasing privacy settings, or following accounts that bring feelings of joy.

To help educate parents and other caregivers, lead author, Meghan Hamwey, wrote a Special Report on Social Media and Mental Health for the New York City Health Department, researching the effects of social media. In this document, Hamwey reports several statistics on the impact of social media across multiple racial and socioeconomic lines, stating, “To achieve health equity, it is critically important for NYC to ensure that parents in high-poverty ZIP codes have access to accurate information about the potential effects of social media use and support in talking to their kids about it.”

The global push to address the mental health implications of social media marks a turning point in our collective awareness of its impact on adolescents. Whether it’s Australia’s groundbreaking legislative action or New York City’s bold declaration of social media as a public health hazard, one thing is clear: the world is waking up to the consequences of unchecked digital engagement.

While social media offers opportunities for connection and creativity, its darker sides cannot be ignored—particularly for young people whose minds are still forming. The challenge lies in finding a balance that preserves the benefits while minimizing the risks. As parents, educators, and policymakers explore solutions, one truth remains: creating healthier digital habits is not just about restricting access but also fostering open conversations and equipping young people with the tools to navigate these platforms thoughtfully.

The silence of a deactivated app might hold more promise than the buzz of endless notifications, reminding us that unplugging could indeed be a step toward healing. We must also ensure that these efforts do not leave adolescents feeling more isolated in a world still so deeply wired. The path forward requires both caution and innovation, as we strive to build a future where technology enhances, rather than diminishes, mental well-being.