Australia wants to keep kids under 16 off social media to reduce the risks young people face online. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says families are deeply worried about how social media affects kids’ mental health. This push for change comes as parents, teachers, and mental health experts continue to raise the alarm.
The proposal is heading to parliament in November. If it passes, major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will need to find ways to lock out under-16s. These companies will have a year to roll out a system that blocks kids from signing up, making social media companies more accountable for keeping young users safe.
How Will Companies Keep Under-16s Off Their Platforms?
The responsibility for enforcing this rule lies with social media companies, not parents. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner will guide these companies as they figure out how to verify users’ ages. There may be penalties for platforms that don’t comply, but kids and their families won’t face any consequences for attempting to dodge the restriction.
Some exceptions might be allowed, especially for educational reasons, but these will be carefully managed. Social media platforms like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have suggested that app stores could offer better parental control options, giving families more say in what kids can access.
What Are People Saying About This Ban?
Reactions to this proposal have been mixed. Some worry that blocking kids from social media could backfire, pushing them to darker, less regulated parts of the internet. The Digital Industry Group, which includes Meta, Google, and TikTok, says the plan feels outdated and recommends focusing on creating safe online areas for young users instead.
Mental health advocates have also spoken out. ReachOut, a youth mental health service, reports that 73% of young people who seek support do so through social media. Experts worry that if kids feel the need to hide their accounts, they may also stop reaching out for help when they need it most.
Over 140 experts in child welfare, psychology, and tech have signed a letter challenging the effectiveness of this age ban, suggesting that alone it may not reduce risks for young people.
More Experts Share Whether The UK Should Follow Australia
Four more experts comment on whether the UK should follow Australia in creating stricter regulations for children being on social media…
Our Experts:
- Andy Lulham, COO, Verifymy
- Jo Sutherland, MD, Magenta Associates
- Jessi Gholami, LMSW-C, LCSW-C, Senior Editor, Start Here Parents
- Jas Schembri-Stothart, Co-Founder, luna
Andy Lulham, COO, Verifymy
“Social media is in the spotlight globally as concerns rise about its potential negative impact on young people. The Australian PM’s move to implement an outright ban is the strongest move we’ve seen globally on this issue and will represent a significant milestone in regulation worldwide. Other countries will undoubtedly be watching with interest.
“As with any new regulation, its effectiveness will come in the implementation. If it’s to have the desired impact on online safety, the Australian government must be crystal clear on what will be considered effective age verification. The bar must be set high for accuracy, but in a way that doesn’t diminish the experience for older users. This is essential to prevent children from bypassing checks and to enable platforms to comply and implement appropriate measures easily.
“Accuracy is vital, but it’s also critical that age verification methods are privacy-preserving, low in friction and without bias. Age checks can be done utilising information a social platform already has such as an email address, removing the need for users to share additional sensitive personal data. Other effective methods include facial age estimation and ID scans. The privacy debate has stymied age assurance progress in the US, so this must be addressed upfront.
“A final important point is to ensure the legislation is enforced equitably across all platforms, rather than just focusing on the social media giants. This is key to ensure younger users aren’t simply pushed from established platforms to lesser known sites that aren’t on regulators’ radars.”
“A full social media ban for young people is a bold step for sure. Australia has the opportunity to lead the world in balancing child protection with positive digital engagement. Success in this endeavour would set a strong example for other countries aiming to create a safer, age-appropriate online environment.”
Jo Sutherland, MD, Magenta Associates
“As we consider whether the UK should follow Australia’s lead in regulating children’s use of social media, it’s essential to recognise the unique challenges this space poses for young users and their carers. Social media can be a source of valuable connection and information, but it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation and manipulation, which can shape opinions, fears, and perceptions, often in unnoticeable ways.
“Children, who may lack the media literacy to critically evaluate content, are particularly vulnerable to persuasive tactics that present skewed versions of reality. This can range from idealised lifestyles to distorted worldviews that influence their self-esteem and understanding of social issues. Responsible oversight plays a critical role in managing content that may be inappropriate or manipulative.
“To safeguard children online, it’s important for the UK to consider implementing clearer regulations around transparency in social media content, while also supporting digital literacy education in schools. This could involve a combination of content filtering for harmful materials and transparency practices that empower children to make informed decisions about what they see.
“A collaborative approach – bringing together tech companies, educators, and policymakers – would create a framework that prioritises the wellbeing of young people without unnecessarily stifling free expression. Ultimately, a balanced and ethical approach is crucial for ensuring that the younger generation are protected as they navigate the digital landscape and how that intersects with the real world.”
Jessi Gholami, LMSW-C, and LCSW-C, Senior Editor, Start Here Parents
“In my line of work, I see how social media can take an immense toll on kids’ mental health and behaviour. They’re often left navigating anxiety, feeling pressure to keep up, and dealing with influences they may not yet fully understand. Kids are in a stage where they’re still figuring out who they are, and social media can make that process a lot harder.
“I work with families who come in stressed or worried about things their kids have seen or experienced online, and these are issues that just didn’t come up as much a few years ago. This kind of exposure can really wear kids down… it can hurt their self-esteem, make them question their own worth, and even affect how they act at home or school.
“Its so important we give kids the breathing room they need to grow without all the extra pressure around social media helping them build confidence and find their way unencumbered!”
Jas Schembri-Stothart, Co-Founder, luna
“We recently learnt from a poll on the luna app, a digital health & wellbeing platform for teens, that over a third (36.5%) of respondents feel negative emotions when using social media, but nearly half of respondents (51%) feel either entertained (33.6%) or happy (17.5%). A lot of teens, particularly those struggling with their identities, find solace in these spaces and when managed correctly it can be beneficial.
However dangerous misinformation and negatively-charged algorithms are a real problem, and we need to be tackling this, along with educating young people on safe social media use with oversight from parents.
The harsh reality is that even if we blanket banned teens, they’re savvy enough to find a way to access these platforms, so we should be tackling the root of the problem as a priority.”
