Australia’s Proposal to Ban Children from Social Media Sparks Debate
How can society shield children from the harms of social media? In Australia, the political answer seems straightforward, as legislation addressing the issue moves swiftly through Parliament. However, implementing this solution may prove far more challenging.
The Australian government’s proposal to ban children under 16 from platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram has gained widespread political support. The opposition party has endorsed the plan, indicating it would have introduced similar measures if it had won the upcoming elections. Leaders of all eight Australian states and territories also back the proposal, though Tasmania preferred a lower age threshold of 14.
While the bill has passed Australia’s House of Representatives and awaits final approval in the Senate, it has ignited heated debate. The law would impose penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million USD) on social media companies failing to prevent underage users.
Youth Perspectives: Social Media as a Way of Life
Critics include young Australians like 17-year-old Leo Puglisi, who founded the online news platform 6 News Australia at just 11. Puglisi argues that policymakers fail to grasp how integral social media is to modern life.
“Social media is part of people’s communities, work, and entertainment,” he said. “Ignoring it doesn’t address the reality of how young people interact with the world.”
Puglisi’s contributions to digital journalism have earned him recognition, including a nomination for Young Australian of the Year.
Support from a Grieving Mother and Activist
Sonya Ryan, a cyber safety advocate, supports the proposed ban. Her daughter Carly Ryan, 15, was murdered in 2007 by an online predator posing as a teenager. Carly’s case was Australia’s first known instance of such a tragedy.
Ryan emphasizes the numerous risks children face online, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and predatory behavior. “We’re losing our kids—not just to predators, but also to mental health issues exacerbated by social media,” she said.
Ryan acknowledges that the legislation won’t be perfect but insists it is a necessary step to address an “anxious and addicted generation.”
Privacy Concerns and Technological Challenges
Critics worry about the law’s privacy implications. Age verification could require platforms to collect users’ identity documents, a move Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, describes as a “terrible outcome.”
“The platforms have a poor track record of protecting personal data,” Leaver warned.
Despite these concerns, Ryan argues that protecting children should take precedence over privacy. “What is the cost if we don’t act?” she asked.
Looking Ahead
If enacted, this world-first legislation will force platforms to devise enforcement mechanisms within a year. As the debate continues, Australia’s bold approach to social media regulation could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
