17-year-old Leo Puglisi recording his online streaming news service, 6 News Australia, from Melbourne, Australiain January 2024. ( Image by Leo Puglisi via AP)
Australia’s Plan to Ban Under-16s from Social Media Sparks Debate
Australia is moving toward banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. While the plan enjoys widespread political support, critics question its feasibility and potential consequences.
The federal government’s proposal has received backing from leaders of all eight Australian states and territories. However, Tasmania, the smallest state, suggested the age limit be set at 14 instead. The opposition party, poised for elections in the coming months, claims it would have introduced a similar policy if the government had not acted first.
Despite the political consensus, the plan has drawn criticism from technology and child welfare experts. Over 140 specialists signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling the age limit “too blunt an instrument” to address the risks posed by social media. Details about the ban and its enforcement remain unclear, with legislation expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
Teen Voice Speaks Out
Seventeen-year-old Leo Puglisi, founder of the online news platform 6 News Australia, believes the ban ignores the realities of growing up in the digital era.
“With respect to the government, they didn’t grow up with social media,” said Leo. “For young people, it’s part of daily life—whether for community, work, or entertainment. This ban feels like delaying the inevitable. Once they’re older, they’ll still engage with social media.”
Leo, a finalist for Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year award, has been recognized for fostering critical thinking among young people through his platform.
A Mother’s Tragic Perspective
Sonya Ryan, a cyber safety advocate, strongly supports the proposed age limit. Her daughter Carly Ryan, 15, was murdered in 2007 by an online predator posing as a teenager—the first such case in Australia.
“Kids face numerous online threats, from predators and bullying to exposure to harmful content and misinformation,” said Sonya. “Children don’t have the skills to navigate these dangers. The result is rising youth suicides and tragedies like Carly’s.”
Sonya, who advises the government on preventing child sexual abuse, acknowledges the plan won’t be perfect but insists action is needed. “We’re dealing with an anxious and addicted generation. We must act, even if the mechanisms aren’t flawless.”
Privacy Concerns and Implementation Challenges
The proposal also raises privacy concerns. Age verification technologies, often inaccurate, may require digital identification systems. The government has suggested the eSafety Commissioner could act as an intermediary, verifying users’ ages without platforms accessing their personal data.
However, some experts, including Tama Leaver, an internet studies professor at Curtin University, worry the platforms themselves may end up storing sensitive identity information.
“Social media companies have a poor track record with personal data,” Leaver said. “If they become responsible for identity verification, it could lead to significant risks.”
Platforms will have one year after the law’s passage to determine how to enforce the ban.
While privacy issues loom, Sonya Ryan insists the safety of children must take priority. “What’s the cost of inaction? We must put children’s well-being above profits and privacy concerns,” she said.
As the debate unfolds, the government’s next steps will determine whether the proposed law can balance safety, practicality, and privacy.
