Australia To Ban Children Under 16 From Social Media”: A Systematic Sentiment Analysis Of Media Coverage, Synthesis Of Expert Opinions, Breakdowns By Political Leanings Or International Reactions, Legislative Timeline & Comparisons With Past Tech Regulati

Abstract

The growing use of the internet is affecting the patterns of interactions, specifically among people of a particular age group. This paradigm shift has many psychological and social implications for the population segment. All such changes have alarmed policymakers and prompted the need for new laws regulating the internet and social media in various parts of the world. Presently, many nations have been implementing such regulations. Australia has taken the lead in formally banning social media for children and young people under sixteen. Australia is not alone in this effort; other nations have also begun restricting social media.  Formally prohibiting social media use sparked debate among intellectuals in the polity and polemic discussions. The writing of this paper revolves towards the analysis of the framing of such laws, focusing on Australia and comparing its differences with other nations/unions, namely, the United Kingdom, the United States (specifically Florida), the European Union and China. The study targeted the newspapers, Magazines, reports, online articles and blogs between July 2024 and June 2025. The sentiment analysis of such writings finally revealed mixed responses about framing such laws; some policymakers are concerned about safety, while others, welfarist, discuss the possibility of state surveillance risk. Balancing the arguments, intellectuals underscore the complexity of the issue and the significant challenges involved in regulating online spaces effectively.