ACCESS Newswire
09 Dec 2025, 19:31 GMT+10

New survey of 4,000 parents and children in the U.S. and Australia reveals sharp generational divides in support, fears, mental health expectations, and belief in government enforcement.

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) released new research today examining how parents and children in the United States and Australia view social media bans for anyone under 16. The findings reveal strong parental support for such bans, in contrast with widespread concern from children who fear losing friendships and support systems that exist primarily online.

The research arrives as Australia implements a national under 16 social media ban, placing global attention on how the policy will affect youth and their families. FOSI's study surveyed 4,000 parents and children ages 10 to 17 to understand how both groups feel about restrictions, enforcement, and the broader impact of social media on daily life.

65% of Australian parents support a national under 16 ban

Children, who are most directly affected by the restrictions, are less likely to support them. This gap raises a central question for policymakers. Why do parents and children view the potential impact so differently, and what might be lost if children's concerns are overlooked?

Connection Concerns: Children Feel the Most at Risk

53% of U.S. children fear a ban would disconnect them from important cause them to lose connections and support

For many children, social media can play a meaningful role in their daily lives, offering a place to stay connected, share experiences, and feel part of a wider community. Losing access to those spaces raises important questions about how young people will continue nurturing the relationships and support system they rely on. This cultural context along with the findings above highlights an emotional dimension of the ban that many parents may underestimate.

Families are divided on the mental health impact of a ban