How Australia's social media ban could affect art institutions

"But people are becoming increasingly aware, and concerned, about the negative impacts of such online platforms on both physical and mental health, particularly on the younger generation. In the UK over the festive period, a nationwide billboard campaign from the advocacy group showed vintage Christmas card-like scenes, but rather than children "with eyes all aglow", their faces are absorbed in the glowing light of a mobile phone. Beside it are the words: "Keep the magic. Join the movement.""

"Australia has made a major step forward in this movement with its recent ban on social media for children under the age of 16. "Being logged into an account increases the likelihood that [children will] be exposed to pressures and risks that can be hard to deal with," says the "These come from social media platform design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens and make it more likely that they will see negative, upsetting or manipulative content.""

People are becoming increasingly concerned about the negative physical and mental health impacts of social media, especially for younger generations. A UK billboard campaign depicted children absorbed in phone screens, urging people to "keep the magic" and join a movement away from screen obsession. Australia introduced a ban on social media for under‑16s, citing platform design features that increase exposure to pressures, risks, and manipulative content. Major platforms must take steps to prevent under‑16 accounts from December 10. Many Australian museums and art institutions will likely need to pivot social media content and strategy depending on their audiences and remits.

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