The National Post reports in its Monday edition that Australia's under-16 social media ban, starting Dec. 10, will serve as a real-life experiment on managing technology's impact on youth. An Agence-France Presse dispatch to the Post reports that supporters cite studies linking excessive on-line time to negative effects on teen well-being, while critics argue there is insufficient evidence to justify the ban, warning it may cause more harm than good. Adolescent brains develop into the early 20s, according to psychologist Amy Orben from the University of Cambridge. A lot of research, mainly from surveys, shows a link between teen tech use and poorer mental health, she told AFP. It is difficult to draw firm conclusions since phones are deeply embedded in daily life, and young people might use social media as a coping mechanism. Ms. Orben said technology evolves rapidly, leading to an uncertain evidence base. Experimental studies or evaluations of natural experiments can provide clarity. Evaluating the Australian ban is crucial as it offers insights into potential outcomes. Australian researchers are recruiting 13- to 16-year-olds for a "Connected Minds Study" to assess how the ban affects their well-being.