VMHPAA Welcomes Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s - but Warns It Cannot Stand Alone: Call for urgent regulation of harmful algorithms and accountability across tech platforms
- Shane Warren
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
10 December 2025
VMHPAA calls for urgent regulation of harmful algorithms and accountability across tech platforms
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMHPAA) acknowledges today’s historic step as Australia becomes the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16. This landmark policy recognises what mental health practitioners, educators, and families have seen for years: unregulated social media environments can expose young people to harm long before they have the developmental capacity to manage it.
Research globally has shown links between early social media exposure and increases in anxiety, depression, body-image distress, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and attention difficulties. The Australian Government’s decision reflects rising community concern and emerging evidence that delaying access can help protect developing brains and emotional wellbeing.
However, VMHPAA stresses that this ban, while important, is not a silver bullet.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren welcomed the decision but urged caution against assuming it solves the deeper structural problem:“Restricting access for young people is a step forward, but let’s be honest, the real issue isn’t the kids, it’s the platforms. These systems are designed to capture attention, monetise vulnerability, and push content that keeps users scrolling, even when it harms them. A ban without algorithm reform is like treating smoke while the fire still burns.”
VMHPAA calls on state and federal governments to now pursue Phase Two of meaningful reform: regulating the behaviour of social media companies themselves, including:
Mandatory transparency on algorithmic content delivery
Restrictions on harmful content amplification, including self-harm, body-image distortion, hate, hypersexualised material, and addictive design
Strong penalties for platforms that fail to protect children and young people
Compulsory safety-by-design measures, not voluntary guidelines
Clear pathways for Australian users to report harm and receive timely responses
Investment in community-based digital literacy and mental health supports
This aligns with mounting international evidence that algorithms, not just access, drive risk. Platforms profit from keeping users engaged, even when the content promoted contributes to emotional distress. As one commentator recently observed, “We’ve given children dynamite and told them not to light the fuse.”
The ban will also require significant support for families, including accessible education on digital safety, healthy technology habits, and tools to navigate the transition offline.
Warren added:“We must pair regulation with education. Technology isn’t the enemy, but unregulated technology is. Young people deserve digital spaces designed for their wellbeing, not for corporate profit.”
VMHPAA also highlights that vocationally trained counsellors, youth workers, peer practitioners and community mental health workers will play a vital frontline role as families adapt to the new laws. These practitioners are uniquely embedded in schools, communities and family support systems, offering practical, culturally sensitive, and early intervention approaches that clinical services alone cannot provide.
VMHPAA Calls for Action
Regulate harmful algorithms — not just access policies.
Fund digital mental health literacy programs for parents, caregivers, and communities.
Invest in early-intervention mental health services, especially vocationally trained practitioners.
Hold platforms accountable for content that harms users — including financial penalties and mandatory safety reporting.
Evaluate the impacts of the ban through independent research, ensuring protections evolve with technology.
About VMHPAA
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia represents a broad spectrum of counsellors, youth workers, lived-experience practitioners, community mental health workers and psychosocial support specialists, all working at the grassroots to keep Australians safe, supported, and connected.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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