Australia has introduced a groundbreaking ban on social media for users under 16, leading to significant changes for many kids and teens. Starting recently, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have begun removing accounts held by users in this age group. Companies that don’t comply could face hefty fines of up to $49.5 million.
The roll-out of the ban hasn’t been smooth. Reports indicate some underage users managed to pass age verification tests, but officials aren’t expecting flawless implementation right away. All platforms, except X (formerly Twitter), have pledged to comply. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is currently discussing compliance strategies with X.
New social media alternatives are also adjusting. Bluesky, an option gaining popularity, announced it would prohibit under-16 users, even though it’s considered a lower risk due to its smaller user base.
Parents are divided about the ban. Some express concern over their children feeling isolated. One mother narrated her daughter’s distress after being classified as under 16 on Snapchat, while her friends faced no restrictions. Conversely, other parents believe the ban is necessary to help combat social media addiction.
A recent opinion piece by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of offering clear age guidelines, similar to laws around drinking. Polling indicates broad public support for this initiative, with about two-thirds of voters favoring the age restriction.
Globally, many countries are taking note of Australia’s law. Countries like Malaysia, Denmark, and Norway have signaled intentions to implement similar bans. The European Union is also exploring this approach.
Inman Grant emphasized that the long-term effects of the ban will be evaluated by an independent group. They will analyze the positive outcomes as well as any unintended issues, such as whether kids turn to less safe corners of the internet or find ways to bypass the restrictions using VPNs.
As this ban unfolds, its impact will be closely monitored. Inman Grant plans to gather detailed feedback from social media platforms about how they are handling the changes. This feedback will help determine if the regulations are being effectively enforced. The situation remains fluid, and the discussion around social media use by teens continues to develop.
For further insights into the Australian social media ban, you can read more here.
