Nafis Sadique Shatil
Australia’s parliament has passed a pioneering law prohibiting children under 16 from using social media platforms, signaling a significant move toward enhancing online safety for young people. While the measure aims to protect children’s mental health and well-being, it has sparked widespread debate about its efficacy and potential unintended consequences.
The legislation, which received bipartisan support, targets platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. It is set to take effect by the end of 2025, giving social media companies a year to adapt. The government has justified the ban by citing concerns over cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content, but critics argue that the law overreaches and may inadvertently cause more harm than good.
The Details of the Ban
Under the new law, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to $50 million. However, these companies are barred from requiring government-issued identification, such as digital IDs, for age verification. Notably, messaging apps, online gaming services, and platforms offering educational or health-related content, like YouTube, are exempt from the ban.
Despite the law’s intentions, experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns about its rushed passage and lack of thorough consultation. Many question whether the ban will effectively protect children or whether it will deepen existing issues, such as digital inequality and exclusion.
The Root of the Problem: Social Media Business Models
Social media platforms have faced longstanding criticism for their addictive algorithms and prioritization of user engagement to maximize profits. These algorithms often exacerbate mental health issues, spread misinformation, and amplify harmful content, drawing parallels between social media and the tobacco industry in terms of their exploitative practices.
Critics argue that the real issue lies in the platforms’ business models, which incentivize prolonged user engagement at the expense of mental health. Rather than banning access to social media, the focus should be on holding companies accountable for the harmful impacts of their practices.
Implementation Challenges
Enforcing the ban poses significant challenges. Age verification, while technologically feasible, is complex and prone to flaws. Platforms will need to strike a delicate balance between blocking underage users and safeguarding user privacy. Moreover, children determined to access these platforms may circumvent restrictions, undermining the law’s effectiveness.
The ban also risks isolating young people from valuable opportunities. Social media serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a platform for education, connection, and self-expression. Denying access could leave young people disconnected from critical resources and unprepared for a digital future.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
While social media can harm young users, it also provides vital support, particularly for those who feel isolated or lack access to other forms of help. Mental health organizations like Headspace have highlighted how platforms can serve as “help-seeking” tools for children in remote areas with limited services. A blanket ban could inadvertently deprive vulnerable youth of these crucial lifelines.
A Better Way Forward
Australia’s social media ban may appear to offer a straightforward solution to complex problems, but it risks oversimplifying the issue and ignoring the root causes. Instead of restricting access, governments should prioritize regulating social media companies to ensure safer and more equitable online experiences.
By focusing on reforms that address exploitative business models and harmful algorithms, policymakers can create a digital landscape that balances safety with the rights of young people to education, connection, and self-expression. A regulatory approach, rather than outright prohibition, offers a more effective and sustainable path to protecting children while preserving their access to the digital tools they need to thrive.