Trump mulls Australia-style social media BAN for U.S. teens
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring a potential nationwide ban on social media for minors, inspired by Australia’s strict under-16 restrictions. Lara Trump revealed discussions with Trump about the neurological harms of screen addiction, citing dopamine depletion and emotional withdrawal in children.
Australia’s Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024 bans children under 16 from platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook unless they pass invasive age verification. Non-compliant companies face fines up to AU$50 million, sparking debate over privacy vs. child protection. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed it as reclaiming childhood, with other nations (France, U.K., Spain) considering similar laws.
U.S. lawmakers (including Republicans like Ted Cruz and Democrats like Brian Schatz) have proposed bills like the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA) to restrict under-13 access and limit algorithmic content for teens. Tech giants and free speech advocates oppose such bans, arguing they infringe on parental rights and digital freedoms.
Despite advocating free speech via Truth Social after his Twitter ban, Trump’s administration previously targeted TikTok over national security concerns. His family’s own social media use (e.g., granddaughter Kai Trump’s Instagram fame) highlights tensions between personal engagement and public criticism of digital culture.
Presidential son Eric Trump and his wife Lara enforce a strict no-screen policy for their young children, promoting offline activities like sports and face-to-face interaction. Broader societal warnings about a mental health crisis tied to digital dependency may push U.S. policymakers toward stricter regulations, mirroring global trends.
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