On December 10th, 2025 Australia’s social media ban shook the globe. The ban, applying to all children 16 and under has affected millions of youths across the nation.

On the Naval Support site in Naples, Italy, military youth had lots to say about the ban: “Social Media is harmful” one student wrote anonymously in a survey posted mid-December.

“[Social media] exposes kids to things they shouldn’t have to see until their brain is fully developed. It also exposes them to online toxicity as people are comfortable saying anything online. However, social media can be helpful and banning it may not be the best way forward.”

— High School Student

“Social media is a great way for kids to connect and stay in touch,” another student countered. “I feel it’s semi vital they don’t make that high of an age limit considering this is the age most kids are in high school.”

“Although I think excessive social media usage results in poor habits, I do not think a country should be able to completely ban social media as a whole.I believe they should have only limited the usage.””

— Another High School Student

Opinions were mixed. Diverse, and broad. Many students approved of screen limitation, recognizing its harmful effects on youth. Yet, they also disliked the harsh approach the Australian government took in their action against screens.

“I do not think a country should be able to completely ban social media as a whole.” A student firmly stated. “I believe they should have only limited the usage.”

Limiting screen usage has been achieved in countries such as China, using software that limits youth to only two hours of screen time a day. Chinese software also interferes with content to prevent youth from receiving what the government considers “harmful.”

While this may seem ideal, it’s exactly what youth are afraid of. China has taken many steps towards limiting citizen rights. Consequently, many students are bound to be alarmed by other governments following in their footsteps. Especially, for military youth, the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that openly aims to limit screen use in DoDEA classrooms.

“While Australia’s ban will protect several kids from being attacked or manipulated by social media,” One student detailed, “it won’t do much to change the core impulses (and they didn’t ban Discord, which is especially problematic for kids).”

Naples High School students were alarmed at the Australian government’s attack on screen use, especially the selection of what constituted “social media.” As mentioned, Discord is still not banned. YouTube was initially not planned to be banned either. After protests, this was rearranged, and YouTube was added to the list of banned social platforms.

Overall, the Australia social media ban is controversial worldwide. It attacks social media companies that have profited over youth anger and suffering. Yet, the ban also follows in the footsteps of nations renowned for their heavy restrictions on citizens and rights. The youth in Naples Middle High School echo the global confusion regarding this topic. Despite their varying opinions, they all expressed them in hopes of making a difference.

Despite the looming restrictions on their freedoms, military youth will continue to persuade, defend, and advocate for their values.

Editor’s Note: Survey responses from Naples High School Students are confidential, meaning emails, names and other information are not recorded.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense. 

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