‘Making mental health crisis worse’: Young Nationals warn regional children will be cut off from family by social media ban

The youth branch of the National Party is urging the government to abandon the planned ban on social media for those under 16, set to begin December 10th. They argue the ban will negatively impact children in regional and remote areas who rely on social media for connection. This stance contrasts with other Coalition members, including Sussan Ley, Andrew Bragg, and Matt Canavan, who have also expressed concerns about the ban despite the Coalition previously supporting the legislation. The youth branch believes the ban will worsen mental health crises by cutting off vital social connections for young people in rural areas. The legislation was passed with the date specified and previously championed by former leader Peter Dutton.