Controversial legislation banning kids under 16 from social media reflects a growing concern and has sparked a global debate. What does it mean and why does it matter?
The biggest tech story in the world this week – and one of the biggest this year – did not concern ChatGPT or Generative AI. Rather it was an attempt to rein in a series of tech platforms that have been with us for, in some cases, almost 20 years.
November 28, 2024, saw a flurry of legislative action as 32 bills were rammed through in the last day of federal parliament for the year. The world looked on as Australia became the first country to ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter).
This groundbreaking, but controversial, legislation reflects a growing concern about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, physical well-being, and social development. The law has sparked a global debate, with its implications extending far beyond Australia, potentially shaping the future of online regulation worldwide.
As the father of two teenage girls, who has recently inherited two teenage step-kids, I’ve seen first-hand how hard it is to balance the social and educational role these devices can play, against their addictive properties and ability to be used as platforms for bullying, shaming, and a host of ills. Like many people, I will be watching this space intently as we approach the implementation of this law, in late 2025.
The Rationale Behind the Ban
The Australian government’s decision is rooted in mounting evidence linking social media use to mental health challenges among teenagers. Jonathan Haidt’s hugely influential 2024 release The Anxious Generation highlights the correlation between increased screen time and rising rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among adolescents.
Haidt’s analysis of social media’s impact has been instrumental in bringing these issues into the public consciousness, urging governments to act. His work, however, is not without its critics – this Guardian article being one such example.
Similarly, the 2020 Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma underscored the dangers of social media addiction, manipulation, and its broader societal consequences. These cultural touchpoints have fuelled a growing belief that unchecked access to social media poses significant risks to young people.
In Australia, grassroots movements like “36 Months,” which advocates for delaying children’s exposure to social media until at least three years after their 13th birthday, have further pushed for policy changes. This campaign, the brainchild of Nova 969 breakfast radio host and father of young teens, Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, has resonated with parents and educators, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the challenges of safeguarding children in the digital age. Check out the campaign here.
Key Features of the Legislation
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, set to take effect in 12 months, mandates social media companies to implement robust age verification processes to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms.
Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $50 million for tech companies, while parents and kids caught breaking the rules will not be punished.
Platforms used for messaging, online gaming, and educational purposes, such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google Classroom, are exempt from the ban.
To address privacy concerns, the legislation explicitly prohibits platforms from requiring government-issued identification for age verification. Instead, companies must develop alternative methods that balance enforcement with user privacy.
In a rare moment of bipartisanship in Australia in 2024, the federal opposition have said, if elected, this would be a number one policy priority for them. So it looks like it’s here to say.
The Arguments For
Supporters of the ban argue that it is a necessary step to protect children from the harmful effects of social media. Prolonged exposure to these platforms has been linked to body image issues, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and other negative outcomes. The Australian government has framed this legislation as a way to “protect childhood” and empower parents.
Advocates also highlight that the ban could encourage healthier behaviours, such as increased physical activity, face-to-face social interactions, and improved focus on academics. By taking decisive action, many argue that Australia is positioning itself as a global leader in addressing a pervasive and complex problem.
The Arguments Against
Critics, however, have raised serious concerns about the law’s feasibility and potential unintended consequences. Enforcing the ban will require social media companies to develop sophisticated age verification systems, a challenging task given the global and anonymous nature of the internet. Skeptics question whether these measures will be effective or whether they will merely push underage users to find workarounds.
Some criticise the law’s potential impact on young people who rely on social media for essential resources. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become hubs for mental health support, peer networks, and educational content. By barring access, the legislation could inadvertently isolate vulnerable children who lack alternative means of support, though as mentioned above many health and education focussed sites will be exempt from the legislation.
Furthermore, critics argue that the ban shifts responsibility away from parents and educators, placing an undue burden on technology companies. They caution that a blanket prohibition may oversimplify a nuanced issue, ignoring the potential benefits of teaching responsible digital citizenship.
Navigating a Path Forward
One thing that can’t be denied is that the passage of this law is a bold experiment that will undoubtedly shape the global conversation on social media regulation. While its success remains uncertain, it highlights a growing recognition that governments must play a role in addressing the unintended consequences of digital technologies.
As Australia embarks on this ambitious journey, the debate serves as a reminder of the complexity of balancing protection with access, and enforcement with practicality. As the world watches on to determine whether this law succeeds or fails, it will provide valuable lessons for other nations grappling with the same challenges.
That’s all from me for now. If you'd like more geeky fun, please check out my other newsletters below, or connect with me on LinkedIn and/or X.
Yours in nerdiness,
Adam
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