Australia’s parliament recently passed legislation banning children from using social media until they turn 16. This seemingly harsh ban is an attempt to protect children from the more dangerous corners of the internet, as well as cyberbullying and negative emotions that arise from seeing their peers’ posts.
The social media ban will go into effect next year. However, this decision has sparked an ongoing debate on the government’s capacity to enforce the ban and the potential consequences of such a strict ban. The law will impose restrictions by holding social media platforms, such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram, liable. Platforms that fail to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts will have to pay fines of up to $33 million.
The harms social media inflicts on children are well documented. According to numerous studies on the subject, there is a clear connection between the length of time spent on social media and the likelihood of teens experiencing depression and anxiety. Children get exposed to inappropriate content and social pressures online every day. Cyberbullying, harassment, and comparisons with fellow teenagers online can drive children into a negative spiral.
However, critics of the bill say this ban infringes on children’s free speech. Moreover, they claim the decision to abstain from social media should be up to the children and their parents without government intervention. Another potential concern is privacy. Some critics have raised concerns over the law’s impact on online anonymity. For many, anonymous speech allows them to challenge authority and express controversial opinions safely.
Other countries are closely watching Australia’s decision. As parents search for ways to limit their children’s time on social media, this issue will continue to linger in people’s minds.