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EXPLAINED: 2 - The Real Truth

The Smartphone Theory of Birth Rate Decline Still Doesn't Hold Up

A new NBER study suffers from the same flaws plaguing previous research on phones and fertility rates.

Reason · Jun 10

Elon Musk's tweet on India's falling birth rate goes viral

Elon Musk's comment on India's falling birth rate has gone viral. India's total fertility rate has now dropped below the replacement level. This trend is observed across the country, with Delhi showing a significantly low rate. Experts warn of future demographic shifts. The issue highlights changing family planning trends.

The Economic Times · Jun 6

How smartphone use is linked to falling birth rates

Birth rates across Europe have been falling for years. A new study highlights a possible cause.

Euronews · Jun 3

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5 years, over 21% rise in preterm birth rate: Delhi’s air is cutting pregnancies short

On the morning of October 13, 2025, Moni woke up to another uncontrollable coughing fit. She reached for water, then more water, hoping the scratch in her throat would settle. It did not.

Newslaundry · May 22

Is demographic collapse really a good idea?

Smartphones seem to be directly linked to a worldwide crash in the birth rate.

Bangkok Post · May 21

The Smartphone Theory of Birth Rate Decline Doesn't Hold Up

Fertility rates started falling centuries before the iPhone was introduced.

Reason · May 18

Andhra Pradesh plans cash incentives to encourage higher birth rates

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced financial incentives for families having more children. The government will provide Rs 30,000 for a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth. This initiative aims to boost the state's declining population. Further details will be released soon. The Chief Minister emphasized…

The Economic Times · May 16

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‘Australians are becoming an endangered species’: Elon Musk highlights population concerns amid falling birth rates

Elon Musk has stirred up fresh debate after making a blunt comment about Australia’s future population trends. The tech billionaire reacted to recent figures showing a continued decline in Australia’s fertility rate. His remark, calling Australians ‘an endangered species,’ quickly spread across social media and triggered a wave of criticism.

The Times of India · Apr 24

Birth rate warning issued as applications for primary school places decline

The falling birth rate, which has particularly affected the capital, has already seen several councils plan primary school closures or mergers

The Independent UK · Apr 16

Why aren’t Republicans thrilled by the fall in teen pregnancies?

In the US, the birth rate for 15- to 19-year-olds dropped 7% last year. But what seems like good news for society has been lamented by some leading Maga figures, writes Arwa Mahdawi

The Guardian - UK · Apr 14

Fox News analyst blames low birth rate on teens not having enough kids

Age of consent laws vary by state, typically ranging from 16 to 18, with some close-in-age exceptions for teens

The Independent UK · Apr 11

Trump Nicknamed Himself the 'Fertilisation President' — CDC Has Now Confirmed the Birth Rate Is at a Historic Low on His Watch

The US birth rate has reached a historic low, complicating Trump's narrative as the 'fertilisation president.' CDC data reveals a continued decline in fertility rates.

International Business Times UK · Apr 10

Turkey puts 11 leaders of LGBTQ+ rights association on trial for 'obscenity'

Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey, but the LGBTQ+ community is frequently targeted by authorities who blame it for the country's declining birth rate.

Euronews · Apr 8

UK birth rate hits record low amid financial struggles for young people

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The Independent UK · Apr 1

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The Independent UK · Mar 31

Cost of living crisis ‘holding young people back from having children’ as UK birth rate falls

New analysis suggests falling birth rates appear to be driven partly by financial struggles rather than a shift away from parenthood

The Independent UK · Mar 21

Voices: ‘Children bring more hardship than joy’: Readers on why the birth rate is falling

YOUR VIEWS: Our community insists that falling birth rates aren’t down to men’s immaturity, but to soaring costs, societal pressures, and a system that makes parenthood harder than ever

The Independent UK · Mar 17

Finally, men are getting the blame for female ‘unplanned’ childlessness

FIRST PERSON : A new report reveals that men’s immaturity is partly to blame for the crash in the birth rate, because many don’t feel ready for children. Finally, people can see what women are up against, says Charlotte Cripps

The Independent UK · Mar 2

How London’s falling birthrate is affecting applications for secondary school places

The capital has been facing a fast-falling birth rate that has already seen several councils plan primary school closures or mergers.

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The Conversation · Feb 26

South Korea’s birth rate is rising – but the population is still shrinking

South Korea’s very low birth rate and ageing population have long served as a cautionary tale for other governments worried that they’ll see similar demographic challenges.

Euronews · Feb 12

Interest-free home loans and €250 per child: Can France boost its falling birth rate?

A parliamentary committee has unveiled a plan to tackle France’s collapsing birth rate. But with experts and the public sceptical, the proposals are proving deeply divisive.

The Independent UK · Feb 10

South Korean official expelled for suggesting ‘importing women’ to boost birth rate

Controversial televised remarks spark diplomatic protest from Vietnam

The Times of India · Feb 9

‘Inappropriate’: South Korean official fired for saying Seoul should ‘import young women’ to solve population crisis

A South Korean official has been expelled from his party after suggesting that the country should "import young women" from Vietnam or Sri Lanka to help increase its birth rate.

The Independent UK · Feb 9

France sends letters to 29-year-olds telling them to get on with having children

The move is aimed at reducing infertility rates in France, which is tackling dwindling birth rates

The Independent UK · Feb 9

France is sending reminders to 29-year-olds like me to have children – and it’s not OK

LET’S UNPACK THAT: As France launches a 16-part plan to tackle its dwindling birth rate, Lydia Spencer-Elliott argues that sending pointed postal reminders to procreate to her generation definitely isn’t the answer

The Guardian - AU · Dec 18, 2025

China to hike tax on condoms in attempt to boost falling birth rate

From 1 January, contraceptives will be subject to a 13% VAT rate – part of a carrot-and-stick approach by the government to increase births

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