Our tobacco moment? Protecting children online must be built by design – not pursued platform by platform
Child Helpline International is closely following the landmark proceedings brought by 29 US states against Meta, concerning allegations that Facebook and Instagram have used design features that encourage compulsive and excessive use among children and young people. The case forms part of growing scrutiny worldwide of the impact that engagement-driven digital design can have on […]
Early Insights from Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Delay
As of December 10, 2025, Australia has implemented a mandatory minimum age of 16 for holding social media accounts, covering platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, and others. The law, aimed at protecting young people’s mental health, requires platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent access, with potential fines for non-compliance. As part […]