Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s: A Bold Move or a Step Too Far?
Australia has become the first country in the world to introduce a law banning children under 16 from using social media, a move that aims to protect young people from the harmful effects of online platforms. The new legislation, which passed through the Senate on Thursday, is the government’s response to what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as a clear link between social media use and rising mental health issues among young Australians.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which passed by a 34-19 vote, will require social media companies to implement measures ensuring that users are at least 16 years old. Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter) are likely to be affected, though YouTube will be exempt due to its educational value. Social media companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to AU$50 million. However, the details of how the law will be enforced are yet to be determined, with the implementation of age-verification technology set for trial in mid-2025.
Despite the law's sweeping intent, experts, advocacy groups, and even some politicians are raising serious concerns about the potential negative impact on young people. Critics argue that the ban could push teenagers towards the dark web or encourage them to engage in online communities that are even more harmful. There are also fears that the rush to pass the law may lead to unintended consequences, such as social media companies collecting more personal data from users in an attempt to verify ages.
The government has been criticised for not consulting enough with key stakeholders, and for introducing the bill with limited parliamentary debate, especially as it was brought forward during the final sitting days of the parliamentary year. Amnesty International, along with hundreds of concerned experts, have warned that isolating young people from social media could make them feel more disconnected and increase the very risks the law seeks to reduce. The Australian Human Rights Commission also voiced concerns, citing the potential for the law to infringe on children’s rights.
While the legislation has gained support in some quarters, it’s clear that the silent majority of Australians did not want this. A recent YouGov survey found 77% of the public backing the ban, but there is a significant, often overlooked, group who fear that this law will do more harm than good. Many Australians may feel the pressure to take action on online safety, but do not believe a blanket ban is the right solution. These voices, though less vocal, argue that the focus should be on better education, digital literacy, and more robust parental controls rather than an outright prohibition on social media use.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who initially supported the ban, now believes the government has failed to consider the wider implications and has called for a more thoughtful approach. Suicide Prevention Australia has also urged the government to reconsider its rush to legislate, with the group's executive director, Christopher Stone, saying that complex issues like this need more careful consultation. "The government is running blindfolded into a brick wall," he warned, urging the government to slow down and engage more thoroughly with experts and stakeholders to ensure the law truly protects young people.
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, the debate over how best to protect children online remains far from settled, with many questioning whether banning social media access is the right approach, or whether more nuanced strategies are needed to address the challenges posed by the digital age. For now, though, it seems the loudest voices in the room have won the day, leaving many to wonder whether this law is a well-intentioned but flawed solution to a much larger issue.
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