Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s Faces Immediate Challenges
Australia’s recent decision to impose a ban on social media usage for individuals under 16 faced swift challenges as teenagers quickly adapted to circumvent the restrictions. The ban, which took effect on March 15, 2024, targeted popular platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, aiming to protect youth from online abuse and exploitation.
Teenagers like Lucy Brooks, a 14-year-old cheerleader, experienced temporary disruptions in their online social circles. Lucy lost some friends on Snapchat but found that many had created new accounts almost immediately, often using the images of parents or older friends to bypass age detection systems. This tactic mirrors similar responses observed in the United Kingdom when their government introduced its own online safety legislation in July 2023.
The effectiveness of the age verification technology is still under scrutiny. Companies specializing in this area claim they can estimate user ages based on account activity, but the recent experiences of teenagers suggest that many are finding ways around these checks. Lucy, who retained access to both Snapchat and TikTok, voiced concerns about the long-term implications of the ban.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the legislation’s introduction with a barbecue event at his Sydney residence, inviting parents of children who had tragically died by suicide due to cyberbullying. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was illuminated in green and gold to celebrate the new law, accompanied by the campaign slogan “Let Them Be Kids.”
Despite the government’s intentions, the ban has sparked significant debate. A group of 15-year-old boys, speaking with CNN in a park beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, expressed nonchalance towards the ban. They revealed that some had circumvented age restrictions by inputting false birth years. One boy stated, “I think it’s because I put my birthdate in as the year 2000 when I first signed up,” while another emphasized his preference for Snapchat over obtaining phone numbers for messaging.
The implications of the ban extend beyond personal use; it has raised concerns for young entrepreneurs. Lucas Lane, a 16-year-old who founded his own business at 13, fears the ban will hinder his ability to reach customers. His business, Glossy Boys, sells “skate-proof” nail polish mainly through social media channels. He argued that education and support, rather than outright bans, would be a more effective approach to protecting youth online.
Two legal challenges have already emerged in response to the ban, including one from the popular online forum Reddit. They argue that the legislation poses serious privacy and expression issues for all internet users. Reddit has stated its commitment to comply with the law while addressing these concerns.
As teenagers navigate the fallout from the ban, some have begun exploring alternative platforms. Users on TikTok have humorously suggested turning to lesser-known apps, including Yope, a photo-sharing site, and Coverstar, which promotes itself as a safer alternative to TikTok.
For Lucy and her peers, uncertainty looms over their social media presence. Many have preemptively exchanged phone numbers, fearing they may lose access to their accounts. Lucy expressed her anxiety, stating, “It’s scary and nerve-wracking for a lot of people, like they don’t know what to do.” She believes there is a need to address problematic content on social media but argues that a ban is not the optimal solution. Instead, she advocates for time restrictions on social media use, suggesting “anywhere from one hour to two hours I reckon is fair.”
As Australia’s social media ban unfolds, the initial reactions from both teens and advocates signal that the legislation may need further adjustments to achieve its intended goals.
