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December 10, 2025
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Australian clinic tackles screen addiction as social media ban looms

F

rom Wednesday (December 10), Australia will impose a world-first social media ban on under-16s, blocking them from TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Over a million children will lose their accounts during the summer break, a shift that could help by limiting harmful content but also strain mental health by cutting off support and social connection.

Dr Daniela Vecchio says, 'The suffering of people who are addicted to gaming and social media, the struggle of their families, and the need for screening, prevention, early intervention, and treatment are highlighted in my interview. Thanks to Reuters, the message is now being spread worldwide.
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Watch the report on Reuters.

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Gaming platforms and social media pose similar risks for children: excessive time spent online, and potential exposure to predators, harmful content or bullying. Dr Daniela Vecchio wonders why gaming platforms have not been included in Australia's "world-first" social media ban for under-16s.

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Dopamine and addiction: navigating pleasure, pain, and the path to recovery

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