Protecting Kids Online: a Global Wake-Up Call from Australia

Australia just became the first democracy to ban social media for anyone under 16, a decision shaking governments, platforms, and parents worldwide.In this episode, Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), a global non-profit, breaks down what this moment tells us: explains why this moment matters far beyond Australia. He breaks down how Europe is preparing its next big regulatory push under the DSA review, why the U.S. fell years behind after weakened protections by the Trump administration, and what his latest international research reveals about parents and teens across multiple countries.Stephen also warns that the next challenge will move beyond social media: generative AI is already becoming a source of advice, information, and emotional support for kids.A timely, global look at where child online safety is headed and why democracies can’t afford to wait. Get full access to Atlantic Lens by Marta Dhanis at atlanticlens.substack.com/subscribe