Australia has introduced a new law prohibiting children and young people under 16 from using social media, prompting criticism from digital rights experts. Damini Satija, Programme Director at Amnesty Tech, described the ban as an “ineffective quick fix” that does not reflect the realities of a generation that lives both online and offline. She emphasized that the most effective protection for young users lies in stronger regulation, robust data protection laws, and safer platform design to prevent social media companies from exploiting personal data and prioritizing engagement over user safety.
Satija also highlighted the benefits social media offers to young people, including opportunities for expression, access to information, creativity, learning, connection, and entertainment, all of which contribute positively to mental health. She warned that many young users would likely bypass the restrictions, leaving them exposed to the same risks in secret, potentially increasing their vulnerability. Instead of a ban, she called for equipping young people with education, tools, and guidance to navigate social media safely, while holding platforms accountable for user protection.
The law, effective from 10 December, requires social media companies in Australia to prevent under-16s from creating accounts and to remove existing accounts for this age group. Similar measures are being considered internationally: Members of the European Parliament have backed an EU-wide minimum age of 16 for social media and AI platforms, and Malaysia recently announced plans for a comparable age-based ban.
This legislation raises broader questions about balancing digital safety with young people’s rights to online participation and highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize education, regulation, and platform accountability rather than simple age-based restrictions.
