Australia’s Social Media Ban, AI Weight Loss, and more

From Australia’s new social media age restrictions, to the risks of generative AI and declining literacy, here are some of this week’s headlines to keep you in the loop.

Cracking Down on Age Fraud

Ofcom (the UK’s communications regulator and competition authority) is warning social media platforms to bolster age verification by 2025 or face fines of up to 10% of global revenue under the Online Safety Act. 

A survey revealed 22% of 8-17-year-olds lie about their age online, exposing them to harmful content.

As many call for urgent reform, the debate continues in the U.S. on who should be responsible for age verification.

‘It’s so easy to lie’: A fifth of children use fake age on social media | BBC

Chatbots Fuel Pro-Eating Disorder Content 

A Futurism investigation reveals Character.AI hosts pro-anorexia chatbots disguised as “weight loss coaches” or recovery aids, violating terms of service. 

Popular with teens, these bots romanticize dangerous habits that can amplify eating disorder risks among vulnerable users.

Past controversies include chatbots tied to child abuse, suicide, and trauma. 

Chatbots pushing pro-anorexia messaging to teen users | Mashable

Teens and AI

A study reveals teens use generative AI for emotional support, socializing, and homework, but many parents misunderstand its risks. 

Concerns include privacy violations, addiction, and harmful content. 

Experts call for better safety measures and more parental guidance to navigate this evolving landscape.

Researchers examine teens’ use of generative AI, safety concerns | Tech Xplore

Screens Vs. Textbooks

The rise of digital tools in education is sparking global debates. 

While screens offer convenience and interactivity, concerns over their impact on focus, memory, and critical thinking grow. 

Sweden is leading a push back to traditional textbooks, investing millions to reduce reliance on screens and restore student engagement and comprehension.

Government Study Confirms: Screen Time Significantly Lowers Student Achievement | Glass Almanac

The Cultural Shift In Reading Habits 

Professors report students arriving at college are unprepared to tackle full books, citing overscheduled lives and a cultural devaluation of literature. 

While shorter attention spans and fewer books in schools contribute, the trend reflects a shift in priorities toward career goals over personal development. 

Experts recommend integrating more complete books into school curriculums, encouraging unstructured reading time, and promoting literature’s value beyond academics to help reignite a love for reading.

How Gen Z Came to See Books as a Waste of Time | The Atlantic

Screen Smarts Start Young

Australian parents rank screen safety above diet and exercise in health concerns for kids. 

The “Young Children in Digital Society” project offers practical tips to teach safe tech habits early, like using screens together, modeling behaviors, and discussing online content.

Why parents need to be like Big Ted and ‘talk aloud’ while they use screens with their kids | Phys.org

Australia Banning Social Media For Kids Under 16

Australia has passed a law banning children under 16 from creating social media accounts. 

The legislation, aimed at protecting young users from online harm, mandates age verification by platforms. 

While supported by many parents, critics raise concerns about enforcement, privacy risks, and the law’s overall effectiveness in safeguarding children.

How Australia Will (or Won’t) Keep Children Off Social Media | The New York Times

Other Headlines

• It’s time to Make the Internet Safer for Kids | Wired

• Parents will be able to track their children on the Uber app | Independent

• Apple AI notification summaries exist; rarely useful, often hilarious | The Verge

• What state laws protect kids against AI-generated deepfakes? | BRProud

• Intenty nudges you to provide a reason every time you unlock your phone | Tech Crunch

• California governor signs law to protect children from social media addiction | MSN

• Behind the Brain Rot | The Atlantic

Did we miss anything?

Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.

Author Jackie Baucom

Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.