Will restricting the age of access to social media reduce mental illness in Australian youth?

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of youth mental illness which has coincided with the growing use of social media throughout society. Studies have demonstrated associations between social media use by young people and mental ill health leading the Australian government to declare a ban on social media by Australians below 16 years of age. This paper aims to critically examine the existing literature reporting these associations and highlights key methodological limitations. We argue that before implementing any restrictive measures that will affect all young people across Australia, it is crucial to consider the evidence to ensure that the proposed legislation is well informed and evidence-based. We suggest there is inadequate evidence at this time to conclude that the rise in youth mental illness is attributable to social media. While the concerns about social media's impact on youth mental health warrants attention, it is essential to consider alternative explanations and to conduct studies that inform highly impactful public health measures. Preventative strategies to address mental illness in young people must be feasible to implement, effective and not give rise to unintended harms.