Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Bill: A Controversial Move
I. Introduction
Effective December 10, a significant shift will occur in the online landscape for Australian teenagers. The Social Media Minimum Age Bill, passed in 2024, mandates that individuals must be at least 16 years old to possess an account on popular platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. This legislative action positions Australia as a pioneer in implementing such a comprehensive social media age restriction.
II. Global Awareness of Social Media's Impact on Adolescents
A. International Concerns
Worldwide, there is a growing recognition among people of all ages regarding the detrimental effects of social media on adolescents. In the United States, nearly half of teenagers assert that these platforms are harmful to their age group, and parents are even more apprehensive. Although several US states have introduced legislation to safeguard children online, a national ban remains elusive.
B. Australia's Swift Action
Australia, in contrast, has expedited its prohibition. Annabel West, a lawyer and mother from Adelaide, upon reading Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, urged her husband, South Australia premier Peter Malinauskas, to take action. He proposed legislation in South Australia, which quickly garnered nationwide support. A few months later, the social media ban was enacted into law, making Australia the first country to implement such a measure.
III. Stakeholder Reactions
A. Support from Parents and Legislators
The legislation has received resounding support among Australian parents and legislators. It passed in Parliament with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and 77 percent of Australians back the ban. However, it is less popular with tech companies, which may face hefty fines if they fail to prevent under - 16s from accessing their platforms, and with teenagers themselves.
B. Teenagers' Perspectives
Elena Mitrevska, an 18 - year - old from Melbourne and a member of the eSafety Youth Council, initially thought the ban was a good idea but has since become increasingly opposed. She contends that it eliminates spaces for connection and community. Mitrevska, like other council members, acknowledges the potential harm of social media to young people, especially in terms of addictive design and graphic content in online communities. However, she believes an outright ban does not address the root causes, stating that removing entire online spaces for young people seems disingenuous compared to actively resolving specific issues.
IV. Regulators' Rationale
Australian regulators believe the ban provides adults with an opportunity to teach kids internet literacy on a one - on - one basis before they are fully engulfed in social media. The aim is to enhance mental health outcomes while placing the onus on tech companies to verify users' ages. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasizes that the ban allows parents to set ground rules, giving them valuable time to help their children develop resilience, critical thinking, and digital literacy.
V. Tech Companies' Challenges and Teenagers' Fears
A. Tech Companies' Dilemma
When the ban was passed last year, tech companies warned that it could drive teens to less - regulated parts of the internet. Facing fines of nearly 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million US), they are now devising ways to keep kids under 16 off their platforms. Options include asking for government ID or using face - scanning technology, but the specific mechanisms and potential workarounds by kids remain undetermined.
B. Teenagers' Concerns
Raghu Vijayan, a 17 - year - old from Adelaide on the eSafety Youth Council, believes the social media bill is a start but cautions that a ban alone is insufficient. He highlights that turning 16 does not automatically equip individuals to handle social media, especially if they have been shielded from harmful content. He advocates for comprehensive social media education tailored by young people and a trial period, similar to a learner's permit for driving. Vijayan also worries that the ban may discourage young people from reporting dangerous online content or experiences, as teenagers may forget that they will not be prosecuted for accessing platforms.
VI. The Role of Social Media in Teenagers' Lives
Both Mitrevska and Vijayan stress the importance of social media in teenagers' lives. Mitrevska has used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to find politically engaged peers and explore her identity, citing YouTube short films as instrumental in overcoming homophobic beliefs. She argues that social media is an integral part of daily life for young people, and removing it without investing in alternative spaces will create a significant void. The members of the Youth Council are focused on assisting 16 - year - olds in safely navigating social media for the first time, as they believe lack of experience in digital spaces will make young people more vulnerable when they eventually enter these platforms.
