Reduced connection, education and inspiration are among some of the concerns mental health advocates have raised in response to the federal government's upcoming social media ban.
The policy, which comes into effect on December 10 and impacts children 16 years and under, was created in response to the well-documented negative pressures of social media and the detrimental impacts of cyberbullying.
However, the blanket ban has unique challenges for regional children facing geographic isolation, according to Headspace manager Andrew Wenzel, who works in the WA regional city of Albany, 400 kilometres south of Perth.
"Social media means connection, it means education, it means sources of inspiration and laughter — particularly for kids in country areas, who are often more isolated," he said.