Robb Evans shares the impact of social media on his daughter as calls to ban Australian teens grow: A 60 Minutes special

The tragic story of a teenage girl who took her own life after being influenced by social media has sparked a nationwide debate on the impact of online platforms on young people’s mental health.

Fitness coach Robb Evans shared the heartbreaking details of his daughter Liv’s struggle with anorexia, which was exacerbated by the toxic messages she encountered on Instagram. Liv, who believed the false claims of influencers promoting extreme dieting habits, ultimately succumbed to the pressures she faced online.

Mr. Evans has called for a ban on social media for teenagers in Australia, drawing parallels to the country’s gun laws reform. He believes that platforms like Instagram provide a dangerous platform for vulnerable individuals to compare themselves to unrealistic standards, leading to a rise in mental health issues among teenagers globally.

American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt echoed Mr. Evans’ concerns, highlighting the link between social media use and the alarming increase in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide among young people. He pointed to the introduction of smartphones and high-speed internet as catalysts for this troubling trend.

In response to growing calls for action, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has pledged to take measures to protect young users from harmful content. However, politicians in the US have already taken steps to restrict teenagers’ access to social media, with Florida and Texas implementing age restrictions and parental consent requirements.

In Australia, the government is closely monitoring these developments, with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland acknowledging the need to address the harmful impact of social media on children and adolescents. South Australia has already taken steps to ban social media for children under 14, while NSW is planning a summit to address the growing concerns surrounding online platforms.

As the debate continues to gain momentum, experts and policymakers are emphasizing the importance of safeguarding young people’s mental health in the digital age. The tragic loss of Liv Evans serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of social media.