All In The Mind From prohibition to social media - what makes bans succeed ... or fail?
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Dec 6, 2025 In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Kate Harrison Brennan, a public policy expert, and Dr. Alexis Whitton, a psychologist specializing in digital mental health, explore the intricate landscape of bans. They delve into historical successes and failures of bans, from tobacco to gun reforms, revealing how unintended consequences often arise. With the new social media restrictions for under-16s, they examine the factors that influence ban effectiveness and the complexities of proving harm related to social media, all while considering youth perspectives and parental concerns.
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Australia's Gun Law Turning Point
- After the 1996 Port Arthur massacre Australia introduced strict gun buybacks and access controls.
- The measures corresponded with a sharp drop in mass firearm killings, showing a successful ban-like intervention.
Resistance Often Falls After Implementation
- Opposition to bans typically falls after implementation as people shift from personal loss to societal gain.
- Laws also empower social enforcement, increasing norm compliance over time.
Provide Real Alternatives For Young People
- If introducing a minimum age for social media, provide practical alternatives for kids to connect offline.
- Kate Harrison Brennan suggests redesigning community and family arrangements to facilitate real-world socialising.
