Reinforcement Loops and Developing Brains: Why Australia Said ‘Enough’
Reinforcement Loops and Developing Brains: Why Australia Said ‘Enough’
Australia’s nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, which comes into effect tomorrow, marks the first major government action to align with emerging scientific evidence on digital exposure and neurodevelopmental risk. In our longitudinal cohort study (2016–2022), we found that children who spent more than one hour per day on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram showed increasing inattentiveness (i.e., reduced focus and concentration) across the four-year follow-up. Mainly, this pattern did not reflect reverse causation, inattentiveness did not predict increased social media use. This strengthens the interpretation that social media exposure contributes causally to attentional difficulties. In today’s reality, where many children spend more than five hours per day on social media, the implications are even more concerning.
These findings are particularly timely as governments including California state scrutinise the deliberate design of social platforms that rely on reward-driven engagement in young users, as pointed by Greg recently. The developing brain is biologically more sensitive to the continuous reinforcement loops embedded in these platforms, making this fundamentally a neurodevelopmental issue rather than merely a behavioural one.
For caregivers, the message is practical, even moderate daily exposure during important stages of brain maturation may influence attentional capacity and learning efficiency. Structured screen routines, device-free social time, and consistent sleep patterns remain among the most effective protective strategies.
For policymakers, Australia’s digital-age intervention will act as a real-world test of whether limiting algorithmic and high-engagement content can improve cognitive outcomes at a population level. Other nations need not wait for retrospective evidence; proactive, science-informed policies are increasingly necessary to safeguard neurocognitive development in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Countries down action on social media
AUSTRALIA
A landmark law passed in November 2024 forces major social media platforms to block minors younger than 16 starting on Wednesday, one of the world's toughest regulations targeting major tech platforms.
Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($32.8 million).
BRITAIN
The Online Safety Act sets tougher standards for social media platforms, including age restrictions to block minors from accessing harmful content.
The law was passed in 2023 and enforcement began this year. No age limit for accessing social media has been set.
CHINA
China's cyberspace regulator has put in place a so-called "minor mode" programme that requires device-level restrictions and app-specific rules to restrict screen time depending on age.
DENMARK
Denmark said in November it would ban social media for children under 15, while allowing parents to give exemptions for youngsters down to the age of 13 to access certain platforms.
A majority of parties in Parliament said they would back the plan ahead of a formal vote.
FRANCE
In 2023, France passed a law requiring social platforms to get parental consent for minors under 15 to create accounts. But according to local media, technical challenges have impeded its enforcement.
GERMANY
Minors between the ages of 13 and 16 are allowed to use social media only if their parents provide consent. But child protection advocates say controls are insufficient.
ITALY
In Italy, children under the age of 14 need parental consent to sign up for social media accounts, while no consent is required from that age upwards.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia said in November it would ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting next year.
NORWAY
The Norwegian government in October 2024 proposed raising the age at which children can consent to the terms required to use social media to 15 years from 13, although parents would still be permitted to sign off on their behalf if they are under the age limit.
The government has also begun work on legislation to set an absolute minimum age limit of 15 for social media use.
US
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act prevents companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.
Several states have also passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to access social media, but they have faced court challenges on free speech grounds.
References
2. https://www.aol.com/articles/factbox-australia-europe-countries-move-042851503.html
The content was written by the first author Dr Samson Nivins, Karolinska Institutet, if you have any question please email to samson.nivins@ki.se
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