Systemic Disconnection: Australian Teens' Limited Access to News Due to Social Media Ban

The social media ban in Australia is part of a broader trend of restricting online freedoms, which has historical precedents in the suppression of free speech and the manipulation of public discourse.

This trend is not unique to Australia, but reflects a global pattern of governments seeking to control the flow of information. The study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of news consumption habits among young people, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and shifting media landscapes. By supporting community-based news initiatives, media literacy education, and Indigenous-led news initiatives, governments and civil society organizations can help to address the structural issues surrounding news access and consumption, particularly for marginalized groups.