Unpacking the social media ban for young people in Australia

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced a social media ban for Australians under 16 years of age due to the negative impact of social media on young people. 

However, this ban won’t come into place for at least a year.

‘The safety and mental and physical health of our young people is paramount.’ 

‘Parents want their kids off their phones and on the footy field and so do I,’ said Albanese. 

So, what do we know so far? 

The proposed social media ban in Australia: what we know 

• All young people under 16 years of age will eventually be banned from social media.

• South Australia currently has a plan in place for an under 14-ban. 

• The ban won’t come into place for at least 12 months.

• Age verification trials are currently underway in the United States and Spain. 

• The ban is being introduced due to negative mental health impacts too much screen time has on young people. 

Why should social media be banned for people under 16?  

For several years, researchers have analysed the effects of social media on young people – and the reality is concerning.  

Research shows us that three hours a day or more on social media platforms doubles your risk of depression and anxiety. 

If we do go through with a social media ban in Australia for people under 16, experts believe we will see a decrease in mental health issues in younger people. Researchers also posit that a social media ban would see younger people being more physically active and spending more time outdoors. 

Dr Sharon Horwood, Senior Lecturer from Deakin University’s School of Psychology, is of firm belief that an outright social media ban isn’t the answer to the problem. 

‘I understand the appeal of banning social media for people under 16; there are a lot of things we prevent young people having access to for their own health and safety. However, in this case, an outright ban isn’t the answer,’ she explains. 

Dr Horwood also notes that a ban is unrealistic, as young teens will likely find a loophole in the proposed system.  

‘First, and probably most obviously, it would be almost impossible to enforce. There are a hundred ways that kids can get around a social media ban, not to mention that banning it will also make it more desirable,’ she says. 

Why shouldn’t social media be banned for people under 16? 

Despite the harm it can cause, social media is actually a really powerful and useful tool for connecting people.  

Dr Horwood believes these platforms are really important to keep young people engaged with one another and the world around them. Dr Horwood suggests a social media ban in Australia could bring more harm than good for younger people who feel isolated. 

‘For many young people who feel isolated, emotionally or physically disconnected with the people around them or perhaps different in some way social media can be a way to connect with people who they can relate to,’ she says. 

It’s also a space where young people can share their thoughts and feelings about the world eliminating this tool somewhat silences young people who want to have a voice. 

‘For some young people, social media can be the only avenue through which they can feel seen, heard and understood by people they feel they can trust.’ 

Dr Horwood also notes that a nation-wide social media ban for young teens will punish the wrong players.  

‘Banning social media in Australia puts the problem and perhaps even the blame for the problem onto the shoulders of parents and young people, and fails to recognise the huge ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities that should be expected of social media companies.’ 

What about South Australia’s social media ban? 

In an Australian-first, South Australian children under the age of 14 may be banned from using social media. This ban is likely to be enforced by the end of the year.  

Parents with children under the age of 14 will be able to make use of parental controls on TikTok. This means young teens will only have access to parent-approved content. 

For more information, visit this comprehensive report outlining the proposed social media ban in South Australia. 

Are there other countries where social media is banned? 

In the United States, Utah, Florida and Texas have banned social media for younger people, with bans ranging from under-18 to under-14 depending on the state.  

Utah took things a step further, banning teens under-18 from accessing social media unless they had parental consent to use the platforms. In Florida, the ban is in place for those under-14, with 14 and 15-year-olds requiring parental consent to use social media. 

In Spain, the minimum age for creating a social media account has increased from 14 years to 16 years. 

The United Kingdom‘s Technology Secretary has said he will watch Australia’s social media ban closely and is open-minded about enforcing a similar ban.  

What an ‘under 16’ social media ban in Australia could look like 

While we don’t know exactly what a social media ban will look like in Australia, we can keep a close eye on the success of similar bans overseas (and closer to home, in South Australia). 

The USA is effectively providing a roadmap for Australia in terms of how the ban can be enforced, as evidenced by current bans in Texas, Florida and Utah. 

If the government does opt for a social media ban in Australia, the experts will be keeping a close eye on the behaviours of young people.

Will we see those aged under 16 back on the footy field as Anthony Albanese is hoping for, or will they remain glued to their devices?