Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: Flawed Legislation or Platform Problem? Image: courtesy

Australia has imposed a countrywide ban on social media for all children under the age of 16. A benchmark jurisdiction to safeguard minors from potential online hazards, and a vanguard attempt to enforce the world’s most stringent measures towards juvenile online safety.

The decision approved by the Senate on Thursday, November 28, was reached by bipartisan agreement. It constitutes a law that will force social media platforms to be accountable and prevent under-16s from possessing specific social media accounts.

Social media firms will now be forced to take responsible steps to enforce age verification or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for system breaches. However, many details have remained unclear, such as which platforms will be covered, and how it will be enforced.

International controversy

The recent decision has sparked international controversy. Is the ban on social media for children under 16 a solution for a healthier future, or does it mark a step away from democracy?

What has been neglected in the post-bill debates, is the invaluable use of social media if responsibly used and regulated.

Kenya social media usage

In Africa, Kenya is a leader in social media usage, and it is a tool increasingly utilized by young people for entertainment and also to generate income in the digital space.

Kenya was home to 13.05 million social media users in January 2024, equating to 23.5 percent of the total population according to The state of digital in Kenya in 2024 by Data Reportal.

Facebook (13.05 million users) and Tiktok (10.60 million users ) are the most popular social media platforms in Kenya followed by Youtube (9.79 million users) and Instagram (3.05 million users). X recorded 1.87 million users in Kenya in early 2024.

For Africa, and the rest of the developing world, technology and digital platforms mark a critical step towards achieving international development.

Legislation will protect young people?

For Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese states that the legislation will protect young people from the harms of social media. Still, many critics have put forward their concerns about lost social connection and privacy.

Experts believe that the ban is too blunt. They accept the risks associated with social media but have warned of its potential to push young people towards the Internet’s less-regulated corners.

Described by a North Sydney independent law-maker, Kylea Tink, the bill is a “blunt instrument,’’and one that will fail to hold social media companies accountable for the safety of the product they
provide.

Perhaps what is in fact needed is a change in the product, rather than a change in who consumes it.

Natasha Tisminieszky holds an M.A. in Environment, Development, and Policy