The tide is turning.

For years, parents have worried about what social media is doing to their children. Now the courts — and entire countries — are stepping in.

In this episode, we unpack the landmark lawsuits against Meta and YouTube, accusing them of deliberately designing addictive platforms for kids. Could this finally be the moment Big Tech is held accountable?

Plus, we explore how Australia’s minimum age social media legislation is sparking global momentum — with France, Indonesia, Spain, Netherlands and even the United States watching closely.

Is this the beginning of real change — or a legal mountain too high to climb?

KEY POINTS

• Multiple U.S. lawsuits claim Big Tech intentionally designed platforms to addict children.
• Plaintiffs argue engagement was prioritised over wellbeing.
• The burden of proof will be enormous — especially around “addiction” and mental health causation.Section 230 in the U.S. could shield platforms from liability.
• Australia’s minimum age legislation is triggering global ripple effects.
• When “everyone knows that everyone knows,” social change accelerates.
• Screens displace sleep, movement, connection, and real-world development.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Life happens analog, not digital — and parenting should too.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Ten Things Every Parent Needs to Know – Dr Justin Coulson
• When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows – Steven Pinker
• The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt
• Parenting ADHD [The Course] 

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Delay social media as long as possible.
2. Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.
3. Prioritise sleep, movement, and face-to-face connection.
4. Have open conversations about persuasive design and algorithms.
5. Remember: you are not powerless — your home rules matter more than any platform.

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