As governments worldwide move to restrict teenagers' access to smartphones and social media, a fierce scientific debate has erupted over whether these digital technologies actually harm young people's mental health.

Australia announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media in an effort to curb addiction and protect mental health.

Australia’s states and territories on Friday unanimously backed a national plan to require most forms of social media to bar children younger than 16.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new legislation aiming to prohibit social media access for children under 16, labeling it a move to counter the harm he believes social platforms are inflicting on youth.