The Australian government is taking a bold step in the battle to regulate social media use among young children. New research by the country’s internet regulator, eSafety, reveals that more than 80% of children aged eight to 12 are actively using social media or messaging services that are officially restricted to those aged 13 and older. This widespread underage usage has prompted the government to move forward with a total social media ban for anyone under 16, expected to take effect by the end of this year.
A Growing Concern for Online Safety - Australia Social Media Ban Under 16
The eSafety report highlights that platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat are the most commonly used by young children, raising concerns over the effectiveness of age restrictions. The regulator criticized these platforms for their "lack of robust interventions" in verifying the ages of users, stating that many underage accounts are easily created with little to no oversight.
Despite age restrictions set by social media companies, the study found that a third of children surveyed in the eight to 12 age bracket had their own accounts, and 80% of them had received help from a parent or caregiver to set them up. Even more concerning, only 13% of those underage accounts were shut down by the platforms for violating age policies.
Industry Inconsistencies and Loopholes
The research also uncovered inconsistencies in how different social media companies attempt to verify user ages. While platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube claim to use detection tools to identify underage users, these methods often rely on user activity over time. This means that a child under 13 can create an account and use the platform for an extended period before being flagged, exposing them to potential online risks and harms.
Furthermore, the study points out that enforcement measures are uneven. While TikTok and Snapchat accounts are frequently monitored for age compliance, YouTube is reportedly being spared from the upcoming ban due to its alternative services, like YouTube Kids and Family Link, which allow parental supervision. This exemption has sparked criticism, with TikTok accusing Australian authorities of favoritism and demanding evidence supporting the decision.
A Global Test Case for Social Media Regulation
Australia’s social media ban under 16 stance is being closely watched by other countries, including the UK, which has not ruled out implementing a similar ban. As social media companies struggle to enforce their age restrictions effectively, Australia’s move could serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to curb the growing influence of digital platforms on young users.
While some argue that an outright ban may be difficult to enforce and could drive children towards unregulated online spaces, the Australian government remains committed to implementing stricter controls. With parents, policymakers, and tech companies at odds over the best approach to online safety, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of social media for the next generation.
You Just Need To Be You.
Cheers,
The Socialode Team
