60 Minutes Transcript: Australia’s under-16 social media ban – CBS News

Roughly two thirds of people on the planet use social media — and many simply cannot stop scrolling. The dangers for children are well-documented, including mental health problems, bullying and sexual predators. Here in the U.S., social media companies have settled lawsuits totaling billions, without admitting any wrongdoing. But Australia is trying something different. Last year, it became the first country in the world to force many social media platforms to prevent children under the age of 16 from having accounts. As we discovered, it’s too soon to say if the experiment’s working, but the stakes extend far beyond Australia. If other countries follow its lead, it could decide what growing up looks like for future generations. Holly Williams: Should we try Snapchat? Oscar Groves: Sure, why not? Holly Williams: Yeah, do you want to try and open a Snapchat account?  Oscar Groves is just shy of his 16th birthday. In Australia, social media platforms covered by the country’s new law must take “reasonable steps” to stop him from opening or holding an account. Holly Williams: “We’re sorry to share that new local laws have placed restrictions on users under 16 accessing Snapchat.” Social media companies are required to check
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