Australia wants to ban kids from social media. Will it work?

The Australian government is considering a significant new law that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. This proposal has been described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as 'world-leading. ' The discussion around this law has been sparked by the experiences of young people like James, a 12-year-old boy who faced a frightening situation on Snapchat. After a disagreement with a friend, James was added to a group chat with older teenagers who sent him threatening messages, including videos of a machete. This incident left him feeling unsafe and ultimately led him to delete his Snapchat account after discussing it with his parents. His mother, Emma, believes that the proposed ban is essential for protecting children from the dangers of social media. While many parents support this initiative, some experts are skeptical about whether it is feasible to prevent children from accessing social media and what potential negative consequences might arise from such a ban. Prime Minister Albanese has stated that the primary goal of the ban is to safeguard children from the 'harms' associated with social media. He emphasized the importance of allowing young Australians to enjoy their childhood and providing parents with peace of mind regarding their children's online activities. The proposed legislation would apply to major social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. However, the specifics of how this ban will be implemented remain unclear. The eSafety Commissioner, responsible for internet safety in Australia, will be tasked with determining the enforcement of these rules. The proposed ban would apply to all children under 16, with no exceptions for those who already use these platforms or have parental consent. Tech companies that fail to comply with the new regulations could face hefty fines of up to A$50 million. However, there will be exceptions for platforms that can create 'low-risk services' deemed suitable for children. This raises questions about how regulators will define what constitutes a social media platform, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. A group representing tech companies, including Meta, Snapchat, and X, has criticized the ban as an outdated response to modern challenges. They argue that such legislation could push children into unregulated and potentially dangerous areas of the internet. The eSafety Commissioner has acknowledged the significant challenges her office will face in enforcing the ban, given the rapid pace of technological change. She has expressed concerns about the assumption that social media is the primary cause of declining mental health among young people. Research from her office indicates that some vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQ+ and First Nations teenagers, often feel more comfortable expressing themselves online than in the real world. This sentiment is echoed by Lucas Lane, a 15-year-old who runs an online business selling nail polish. He believes that the ban could harm his friendships and limit his ability to connect with others. The eSafety Commissioner advocates for tech companies to improve their platforms and for increased investment in educational tools to help young people navigate the online world safely. She compares this approach to teaching children to swim rather than keeping them away from water altogether. Parents like Emma argue that it is more beneficial to allow children to engage in real-life social interactions rather than trying to navigate complex online systems. They acknowledge the positive aspects of technology but emphasize the need to consider its impact on young minds. Over 100 Australian academics have criticized the proposed ban as 'too blunt an instrument' and argue that it contradicts United Nations recommendations for ensuring young people have 'safe access' to digital environments. A bipartisan parliamentary committee has also suggested that instead of an outright ban, tech companies should face stricter regulations. To address some of these concerns, the government plans to introduce 'digital duty of care' laws, which would legally require tech companies to prioritize user safety. Joanne Orlando, a researcher in digital behavior, argues that while a ban could be part of a broader strategy, it should not be the sole solution. She emphasizes the importance of educating children to think critically about the content they encounter online and how they use social media. The government has already allocated A$6 million since 2022 to develop free 'digital literacy tools' aimed at achieving this goal. However, research indicates that many young Australians are not receiving regular lessons on digital literacy. Experts also warn of significant challenges in implementing effective age-verification technology, which is necessary for enforcing the ban. The government is currently conducting trials to test this technology and hopes to have a report ready by mid-next year. They have promised to prioritize privacy concerns, but details about the specific technology to be tested remain vague. Other countries have attempted to restrict young people's access to social media in the past, but these efforts have often faced backlash. For instance, South Korea's 'shutdown law' was later scrapped due to concerns about respecting the rights of youth. Similarly, a law in the U. S. state of Utah faced legal challenges and was blocked by a federal judge. Prime Minister Albanese acknowledges that Australia's proposal may not be foolproof and that if it passes, it will be subject to review. He believes that while some individuals may attempt to circumvent the new laws, it is crucial to take responsibility for protecting children online. For parents like Emma and Amy, the most important aspect of the ban is the message it conveys. They feel that parents have long faced an impossible choice between allowing their children to use addictive devices or watching them feel socially isolated. James, who experienced cyberbullying, has found that since quitting Snapchat, he spends more time outdoors with friends. He hopes that the new laws will enable more children like him to engage in activities they love instead of feeling pressured to be online.