Banning Social Media …is that the right move?

Jan 28, 2025

In this discussion, Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, an expert in technology's effects on youth and a professor at Brown University, dives deep into Australia's ban on social media for minors under 16. She explores whether such bans truly protect children or simply shift the problem. The conversation touches on the importance of tailored solutions over blanket legislation, the need for enhanced privacy settings, and the critical role of media literacy. Nesi also emphasizes parents' vital role in fostering open conversations about online safety with their kids.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating Social Media Regulation and Youth Impact

02:31 • 11min

Safeguarding Young Workers and the Social Media Debate

13:27 • 4min

Navigating Online Safety for Kids

17:14 • 13min

Debating the Social Media Ban

30:15 • 3min

Misinformation and Creative Website Whimsy

33:42 • 10min

Exploring the Implications of a Social Media Ban

43:56 • 2min

As TikTok America’s legal limbo continues, Australia became the first country in the world to ban minors under age 16 from social media. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant warned the world saying, tech companies aren’t doing enough to protect kids online. Really, no Really!

While the powers of social media apps are undeniable, the harms they cause are more… enigmatic. Even if harmful effects of social media are established, are bans an effective response? As this international debate rages on, there are millions of parents and young people looking down at their smartphones wondering what if anything they should do differently.

To break down the pros and cons of social media we’ve invited Dr. Jacqueline Nesi to make sense of it all. She’s an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, where she studies how technology use affects kids and how parents can help.

She’s published over 50 peer-reviewed publications related to youth and technology use, and her work has been funded by organizations like the NIMH, NICHD, and NSF. She’s also testified before U.S. congressional subcommittees at both the national and state level on issues surrounding tech and mental health.

***

IN THIS EPISODE:

How do we define social media and would a ban even work?
So… how does social media affects us?
Should kid’s online activities be treated like getting a driver’s license?
Default privacy settings.
Teaching media literacy is an important facet of modern parenting.
What age should kids be allowed to use social media?
The social media changes kids are actually asking for.
Speaking to kids about dangers like bullying and pornography.
Deleting, taking a break, downloading again… deleting again… and again.
How Jason altered his social media algorithm in 6 weeks!
REAL or FAKE: Jason stumps the panel on potentially actual websites.
Google-HEIM: Mistakes!

***

FOLLOW JACQUELINE:

Website: jacquelinenesi.com

X: @jacquelinenesi

Substack: Techno Sapiens

***

FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY:

www.reallynoreally.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.