UK Experts Say Social Media Worse Than Tobacco for Children, Ban Under 16 Considered
Experts in the UK compare social media's impact on children to tobacco, calling for a ban for under-16s. The proposal is under discussion as concerns over mental health and addiction grow.
Specialists in the United Kingdom have drawn a stark comparison between social media and tobacco, arguing that platforms like Instagram and TikTok pose greater risks to children than cigarettes. The experts, including psychologists and public health officials, point to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and addiction among young users. They assert that the design of these platforms exploits developmental vulnerabilities in ways that tobacco never could.
The debate has intensified as British lawmakers consider a ban on social media access for children under 16. A proposal currently under review would require platforms to verify user ages and restrict features such as algorithmic feeds and notifications for minors. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to protect mental health, citing studies linking heavy social media use to poor sleep, body image issues, and cyberbullying.
Opponents of the ban, including tech industry groups and free speech advocates, contend that age restrictions are difficult to enforce and could push children toward unregulated spaces. They also note that social media provides educational content and social connection, particularly for marginalized youth. However, experts counter that the harms outweigh the benefits, especially for preteens and young teenagers.
The comparison to tobacco is not accidental. In the 20th century, governments imposed strict advertising limits and age restrictions on cigarettes after decades of evidence linking smoking to cancer and other diseases. Today, researchers see parallels in how social media companies design addictive features, such as infinite scroll and push notifications, to maximize screen time. A 2023 report from the UK's National Health Service found that one in five children aged 10 to 15 reported symptoms of social media addiction.
Several countries have already taken steps to curb youth social media use. France passed a law in 2023 requiring parental consent for under-15s, while China restricts minors to one hour of Douyin (TikTok) per day. The UK proposal goes further by seeking a blanket ban for under-16s, though enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. Platforms like Meta and TikTok have introduced their own parental controls, but critics say these are insufficient.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed openness to the idea, stating that the government is "looking very seriously" at the evidence. A formal consultation is expected later this year, with potential legislation following in 2025. The move has divided the ruling Conservative Party, with some members warning against overregulation.
Meanwhile, tech companies are pushing back. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, argues that its platforms have safety features like age verification and content filters. TikTok has emphasized its commitment to teen well-being, including default 60-minute screen time limits for users under 18. Both companies have urged the government to focus on digital literacy education instead of outright bans.
Public opinion appears to be shifting. A recent YouGov poll found that 58% of UK adults support a social media ban for under-16s, up from 45% two years ago. Parents, in particular, have expressed frustration over their inability to control their children's online habits. Schools have also reported rising disciplinary issues linked to social media use during class.
The debate is likely to intensify as the government prepares its response. For now, experts continue to emphasize the urgency of action, with one child psychologist stating that "waiting for perfect evidence is a luxury we cannot afford." The final decision on the ban is expected by early 2025.
WhatsApp Tests New Feature to Show Online Contacts in a Single List
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will display all online contacts in a single list on both Android and iPhone. The feature aims to make it easier to see who is currently active on the platform.
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will aggregate all currently online contacts into a single, easily accessible list. The update is currently undergoing testing on both Android and iOS devices, according to reports from beta testers.
The new functionality will appear as a dedicated section within the app, showing a real-time list of contacts who are actively using WhatsApp. This eliminates the need to scroll through individual chats to determine a person's online status.
Currently, WhatsApp users can see if a contact is online only by opening a specific chat or viewing the contact's profile. The upcoming feature centralizes this information, providing a quick overview of all active users at a glance.
Beta testers have reported that the feature is being tested in the latest versions of the app for Android and iPhone. It is not yet clear when the feature will be rolled out to all users, as testing is still in its early stages.
WhatsApp has not officially announced the feature, but its appearance in beta builds suggests it may be released in a future update. The company often tests new features with a limited group of users before a wider launch.
The feature could be particularly useful for users who want to initiate conversations with contacts who are currently active, potentially improving response times. It may also help users avoid sending messages to people who are offline.
Privacy implications are also a consideration, as the feature could make it easier for others to track when a user is online. WhatsApp may need to balance convenience with user privacy preferences, possibly by allowing users to opt out of appearing in the online list.
As of now, no official release date has been provided. The feature remains in testing, and WhatsApp has not confirmed whether it will be included in a future public update.
Meta’s Settlement Opens Pandora’s Box: Nearly 6,000 Lawsuits Loom
Meta reached a settlement in the first major lawsuit over student mental health costs, potentially setting a precedent for nearly 6,000 similar cases against social media giants.
Meta has agreed to settle the first major lawsuit linking its platforms to student mental health issues, a move that could open the floodgates for thousands of similar claims. The settlement, whose terms were not disclosed, resolves a case brought by a group of school districts and families alleging that Instagram and Facebook contributed to a youth mental health crisis. Legal experts say this agreement may serve as a template for roughly 6,000 pending lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies.
The original lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused Meta of designing addictive features that harmed teenagers’ mental well-being, leading to increased costs for schools and families. Plaintiffs argued that the company violated public nuisance laws by failing to warn about the risks. The settlement avoids a potentially lengthy trial and sets a financial benchmark for future cases, though Meta admitted no wrongdoing.
Nearly 6,000 similar cases are consolidated in multidistrict litigation before a California federal judge. These suits, brought by school districts, parents, and attorneys general, seek damages for costs related to mental health treatment, counseling, and educational disruptions. The Meta settlement could accelerate negotiations, as plaintiffs’ lawyers now have a concrete reference point for compensation.
Meta stated that the settlement reflects its commitment to addressing youth safety concerns, but critics argue it falls short of forcing systemic changes. The company has faced mounting pressure from lawmakers and regulators over its impact on minors, including testimony from whistleblowers and leaked internal research showing awareness of harm.
The settlement covers only the initial case, leaving the broader litigation unresolved. However, it may encourage other defendants, such as TikTok and Snapchat, to pursue similar resolutions. Legal analysts note that the sheer volume of cases could overwhelm the court system, making settlements more likely.
School districts involved in the litigation have reported rising costs for mental health services, which they attribute to social media use. The settlement provides some financial relief but does not mandate changes to Meta’s products. Future cases may demand stricter design modifications or algorithmic transparency.
Meta’s stock remained stable after the announcement, suggesting investors view the settlement as manageable. The company has set aside reserves for legal liabilities, though the total payout across all cases could reach billions if other lawsuits follow suit.
The next hearing in the multidistrict litigation is scheduled for March 2025, where a judge may set a timeline for bellwether trials. Until then, Meta’s settlement stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over social media’s role in adolescent mental health.
Australian court upholds A$650,000 fine against Elon Musk's X over child safety violations
An Australian federal court upheld a fine of A$650,000 against Elon Musk's X for failing to comply with child internet safety regulations. The decision concludes a three-year legal battle between the tech company and Australian authorities.
An Australian federal court has upheld a A$650,000 fine against Elon Musk's social media platform X for violating child internet safety regulations. The ruling brings an end to a three-year legal dispute between the company and Australian regulators.
The fine was originally imposed by Australia's eSafety Commissioner, who found that X failed to adequately address child sexual abuse material on its platform. The company contested the penalty, arguing that the regulations were overly broad and that it had taken reasonable steps to comply.
Justice Geoffrey Kennett of the Federal Court dismissed X's appeal, stating that the company had not met its obligations under Australia's Online Safety Act. The court found that X did not provide sufficient information about its efforts to detect and remove child sexual abuse content.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, welcomed the decision, emphasizing that tech companies must prioritize child safety. She noted that the fine was a necessary measure to hold platforms accountable for their responsibilities.
X, which has faced similar regulatory challenges in other countries, argued that the Australian rules imposed unreasonable burdens on global platforms. The company said it would review the court's ruling before deciding on further legal options.
The case is part of a broader push by Australian authorities to enforce stricter online safety standards. The government has introduced legislation requiring tech companies to report and remove harmful content more aggressively.
Australia's Online Safety Act, enacted in 2021, gives regulators the power to issue fines of up to A$555,000 for non-compliance. The fine against X was one of the first major penalties imposed under the law.
The court's decision is final, with no further avenue for appeal. X must pay the fine within 28 days or face additional penalties.
BCNARTS: Best Bets: 48th Carnaval Takes Over SF's Mission This Weekend
San Francisco's 48th annual Carnaval festival will take over the Mission District this weekend, featuring parades, music, and cultural performances. The event celebrates Latin American and Caribbean traditions.
San Francisco's Mission District will host the 48th annual Carnaval festival this weekend, a vibrant celebration of Latin American and Caribbean culture. The event, organized by the nonprofit BCNARTS, is expected to draw thousands of attendees to the city's historic Mission neighborhood. Organizers have scheduled a full lineup of activities spanning Saturday and Sunday, including a grand parade, live music stages, and dance performances. The festival aims to preserve and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region's diverse communities.
The Carnaval parade will kick off on Sunday morning, featuring colorful floats, costumed dancers, and marching bands. The parade route runs along Mission Street between 24th and 26th streets, with viewing areas open to the public. Participants include samba schools, capoeira groups, and folkloric dance troupes from across the Bay Area. Organizers have emphasized that the event remains free and open to all, with no ticket required for entry.
Live music will be a central component of the festival, with multiple stages set up throughout the neighborhood. Performers will showcase genres such as salsa, reggae, cumbia, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Headliners include local bands and international artists, though the full lineup has not been disclosed. Dance workshops and interactive art installations will also be available for attendees of all ages.
BCNARTS, the nonprofit behind the event, has been organizing Carnaval since its inception in 1979. The organization focuses on arts education and cultural programming in the Mission District. This year's festival marks a return to full scale after pandemic-related restrictions limited previous editions. Organizers have implemented safety measures, including designated first aid stations and water refill points, to ensure a smooth experience.
The festival will also feature a food court with vendors offering traditional dishes from Latin America and the Caribbean. Items such as pupusas, arepas, and empanadas will be available alongside other street food. Local artisans will sell crafts, clothing, and artwork at booths along the festival perimeter. Proceeds from vendor fees support BCNARTS' community programs.
Street closures will be in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday evening in the area bounded by 24th Street, 26th Street, Mission Street, and Valencia Street. Public transit is recommended, with BART's 24th Street Station and multiple Muni bus lines providing access. Parking will be extremely limited, and attendees are advised to use ride-sharing services or bicycles.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. No pets are allowed, and organizers have requested that attendees leave large backpacks at home to facilitate security checks. The event is expected to proceed rain or shine, with no rain date scheduled.
BCNARTS executive director Roberto Hernandez stated that the festival remains a vital tradition for the community. "Carnaval is a celebration of our roots and a reminder of the cultural richness that defines San Francisco," Hernandez said. The organization expects attendance to exceed 100,000 over the two-day event, based on pre-pandemic figures.