Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Sparks Support, Raises Concerns
Australia’s proposed ban on social media use for children under 16 has drawn strong reactions from parents, advocates and industry stakeholders, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanes acknowledged that enforcing the policy would be challenging.
Albanese said the rollout “won’t be perfect” but stressed that the policy is aimed at holding technology companies accountable. According to him, social media firms have a social responsibility to better protect young users, particularly given how much personal information children willingly share online.
He noted that temporary workarounds, such as having older siblings verify accounts, would not prevent platforms from tracking minors’ online interactions, including chats about school activities, sports events and holidays.
Supporters of the ban say it is a necessary step toward child safety. Wayne Holdsworth, whose son Mac died by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scam, described the law as a meaningful beginning. He said education about online risks must start before children reach 16.
“Our kids that we’ve lost haven’t died in vain,” Holdsworth told a gathering in Sydney, adding that the advocacy efforts had led to real change.
Twelve-year-old child safety advocate Flossie Brodribb also welcomed the move, expressing hope that other countries would adopt similar measures. She said the ban would help children grow up “healthier, safer, kinder and more connected to the real world.”
However, some parents have raised concerns about the economic impact on children who rely on social media for professional work. Simone Clements said the ban would affect her 15-year-old twins, Carlee and Hayden, who work as actors and models. Carlee also earns income as a dancer, singer and influencer.
Clements said social media has been a positive platform for her children, serving as both a portfolio and an income stream. She added that the most significant impact would be the loss of their young online followers.
