Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban: A False Sense of Internet Safety?

Australia will implement a first-of-its-kind ban on social media use by under-16s, effective late 2025, but experts warn of potential pitfalls. The legislation will impact platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). However, exemptions will be granted for health and educational services like YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, and Google Classroom, as well as online gaming platforms.

Despite this move towards safeguarding children online, experts like RMIT's Professor Lisa Given warn that the ban could lull parents into false security and push minors towards unregulated, potentially unsafe internet spaces. She argues that being online is an integral part of modern citizenship and that regulation, not bans, will better protect children.

Professor Marcus Carter, specialising in human-computer interaction at the University of Sydney, shares Given's concerns. He stresses the crucial role digital playgrounds play in children's development and warns against broadening the ban to include gaming and messaging platforms. Both scholars advocate for better platform regulation and continuous online education for parents and children alike.

- CyberBeat