As December approaches, Australian pre-teens are preparing for a significant change: from the 10th of the month, their accounts on social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat will become inaccessible. Australia is set to become the first country in the world to implement a total social media ban on under-16s, an initiative that has sparked widespread debate. This measure aims to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive use of social media, creating a safer environment for their growth and development. The decision has generated mixed reactions, with supporters praising the initiative and critics raising concerns about freedom of expression and access to information.
Details about the ban in Australia
Table of Contents
A year ago, when the Australian government announced plans to introduce a social media ban for young people, the general reaction was likely confusion. How will this ban be implemented? Which platforms will be involved? And what will happen to existing accounts? Now, as the fateful date approaches, many of these questions have been answered. The ban will affect well-known platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and the Australian platform Kick. However, some applications such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Pinterest and LinkedIn have been excluded from this restriction. It is important to note that the Australian Government has warned that the list of banned platforms is dynamic and may be updated in the future if new platforms emerge with similar issues to those already identified.
The responsibilities of technology companies
Starting December 10, social media platforms will be required to delete, deactivate or freeze the accounts of users deemed to be under 16 and prevent users in this age group from creating new accounts. If they fail to comply, companies risk fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32 million). This means that a simple “I promise to be over 18” will no longer be sufficient to access the services. How you verify your age will vary from platform to platform. A government report examined several age verification technologies and concluded that while multiple approaches exist, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for all cases. Technology companies are therefore called upon to develop robust and reliable verification systems to ensure the safety of young users.
The reasons behind the ban
The reasons justifying the implementation of social media restrictions are many and do not require in-depth analysis. The negative effects of excessive social media use, particularly among young people, are well documented. These range from relatively innocuous issues, such as the spread of questionable trends, to grave issues, such as misinformation and hate speech. Social media use has been associated with increased anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and deteriorated mental health. Furthermore, an increase in eating disorders and a more widespread use of dangerous substances has been observed among young users. However, it is important to recognize that social media is not without its positive aspects. These platforms can facilitate meaningful social interactions and contribute to a sense of belonging, especially in a context like the pandemic, where face-to-face interactions were limited.
Australia is not the first nation to introduce social media restrictions for young people. France, for example, has already implemented a law requiring parental consent for children under 15, but has not adopted a blanket ban like Australia’s. However, the breadth and severity of Australia’s measure is attracting the attention of governments and businesses around the world. Recently, Malaysia also announced a similar initiative, while Denmark and Norway are considering similar laws to limit access to social media for children under 15. This suggests that social media bans could become a global trend. However, the issue remains complex. In an age where circumvention technologies such as VPNs are easily accessible and young people are increasingly savvy in using technology, it begs the question of whether such bans can actually be effective.
Conclusions on the future of the ban
In conclusion, the future of Australia’s social media ban will be monitored with great interest globally. The lives of Australian teenagers are about to undergo significant change, and the implications of this measure could prove more profound than the current generation can imagine. In an increasingly digital world, it is vital that society carefully considers what alternatives can be offered to young people to meet their social and relational needs. The challenge will be to find a balance between protecting young people and promoting the responsible use of digital technologies, so that they can grow up in a healthy and stimulating environment.