To the Honorable Members of the Australian Federal Government

As leaders within the technology sector, we acknowledge the transformative power of digital platforms and social media in shaping our modern world.

Our industry has undeniably reaped immense financial rewards from the engagement of young people on social media, with millions of dollars in revenue being driven by targeted advertising and data-driven marketing strategies aimed at users under 16 years of age.

However, we write this letter to express our growing concerns about the detrimental effects of these practices on the mental health and development of teenagers.

In recent years, extensive research has documented the psychological harm caused by early exposure to social media, especially among those aged 13 to 16, a critical 36 Month developmental period. Studies show a direct correlation between social media usage and increased rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and self-esteem issues in young people.

Many adolescents are unable to navigate the complexities of digital interactions in ways that foster a healthy identity, often leading to long-term mental health struggles.

Recently revealed court documents in California, related to an ongoing lawsuit against a prominent social media platform, shed light on an alarming truth: some executives have long been aware of the negative impacts on teens and have continued practices prioritising profit over user safety. This growing body of evidence suggests that we must take immediate action to safeguard the well-being of our future generations.

We urge the Australian government to adopt stricter regulations to increase the minimum age for social media access to 16 years. By doing so, we can create a safer online environment, giving our youth the space to develop resilience and a sense of identity, free from the pressures and risks of early social media exposure.

The time for change is now. We can take a bold step towards ensuring that technology serves our young people, rather than exploiting their vulnerability. 

We encourage the Australian Federal Government to lead this initiative and set an example for the world by prioritising the mental health and emotional well-being of our next generation.

We respectfully submit this letter with our collective, yet anonymous, support.

Sincerely,

Leaders in the Australian Technology Industry