Banning Social Media Does Not Combat Addiction or Abuse, Experts Say
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
In response to global regulations on digital platform usage for minors, Mexico is opening a national debate to explore similar measures against social media 'addiction.' However, specialists warn that this 'punitive' approach absolves companies from rethinking their 'algorithmic design,' which 'exacerbates' the recruitment of children and adolescents by organized crime in the country. In 2025, Australia became the first country to ban the creation of accounts on digital platforms for those under 16, followed by France in 2026, which restricted social media use for those under 15 and expanded the ban on cell phones in schools. These restrictions are accompanied by condemnations of major tech companies like Meta and Google in the United States for impacting the safety and mental health of minors. In light of this situation, President Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed including Mexico in the discussion through a 'national debate,' with surveys of the population and consultations with experts, to present a proposal by the end of August. The initiative initially aims to limit cell phone use in schools but also seeks to address the 'infinite use' of social media, which generates 'addiction' through techniques like scrolling.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
