Former Chicago Mayor and influential Democrat Rahm Emanuel is throwing down the gauntlet, calling on the U.S. to take a page from Australia’s playbook and implement a sweeping ban on social media use for children younger than 16.
The debate over kids, phones, and Big Tech is heating up, and Emanuel’s stance is unequivocal: “It’s either going to be adults or the algorithms. One of them is going to raise the kids,” he stated in a video on the platform X.
The Australian Precedent: A Global First
Emanuel’s urgency comes as Australia enacts a landmark law that is the first of its kind globally. As of Wednesday, the new regulation requires social media companies to disable the accounts of Australian users under the age of 16.
- The Law: Applies to major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch, and X.
- The Fine: Failure to comply carries a massive penalty of more than $32 million (over 49.5 million Australian dollars).
This move down under sets a significant international benchmark, forcing Big Tech to reassess its youth user base and its data collection practices.
Emanuel’s Case: A Fight Against the “Addictive and Alluring”
Emanuel, a former Chief of Staff to President Obama and a potential 2028 presidential contender, argues that American children are “way too vulnerable” to the negative effects of social media, which he labels as “addictive and alluring.”
“Parents cannot fight Big Tech alone,” he insists.
He draws a parallel to successful public health initiatives of the past:
- Teen Smoking: “Sensible regulations cut teen smoking.”
- Classroom Phones: Regulations “banned phones in classrooms to boost academic and social development.”
According to Emanuel, “The time for debate and discussion is over. It’s time to protect our kids and strengthen our families.”
The Harmful Effects: What Does the Research Say?
Emanuel’s call to action is supported by growing concerns among health experts and researchers regarding the psychological and developmental impact of constant connectivity on adolescents.
A review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in August 2022 linked adolescent social media use with a range of serious issues:
- Mental Health: Depression and anxiety.
- Physical Health: Reduced physical activity and trouble sleeping.
- Self-Perception: Body image worries.
Where Does U.S. Legislation Stand?
While Emanuel advocates for the strict Australian model (under 16), the U.S. Congress has already begun moving on bipartisan legislation, though with a slightly lower age threshold.
In January, a group of influential senators—Democrats Chris Murphy (Conn.) and Brian Schatz (Hawaii), and Republicans Katie Britt (Ala.) and Ted Cruz (Texas)—introduced a bill that would:
- Bar children under the age of 13 from having social media accounts.
- Prohibit platforms from using automated systems to promote content based on data collected from users under the age of 17.
The current legislative effort addresses the core issues of both age access and algorithmic manipulation, yet it does not go as far as the under-16 ban championed by Emanuel.
The Big Question: Adults vs. Algorithms
The central tension, as defined by Rahm Emanuel, is whether society—led by parents and regulators—will take control, or if powerful, profit-driven algorithms will continue to shape the development and well-being of the next generation.
What do you think? Should the U.S. follow Australia and ban social media for those under 16?
