Expert take: What Australia’s social media ban for kids under 16 means for online safety

Australia is pushing forward with a world-first proposal to ban social media access for children under 16. The plan, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is designed to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive social media use. Issues like body image effects, online bullying, and exposure to inappropriate content are driving the plan. If the law passes by the end of 2025, it will introduce strict age verification requirements, setting a precedent for other countries.

We sat down with Lauren Hendry Parsons, ExpressVPN Digital Rights Advocate, to discuss what this means for online safety, privacy, and digital rights.

What is Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids?

On November 7, 2024, Prime Minister Albanese unveiled a proposal aimed at restricting social media use for minors under 16. This includes blocking access to popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. The legislation will require robust age verification processes, possibly using government-issued IDs or biometric data, before users can sign up.

The goal is to protect children from harmful content, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the pressures of unrealistic body standards that many young people face online. If passed, Australia would lead the way in implementing one of the strictest social media regulations for minors globally.

“The intention behind the ban is commendable—it’s a bold step toward safeguarding children,” Hendry Parsons explains. “But the challenges are substantial. Creating an age verification system that works reliably without compromising privacy is not straightforward.”

She also highlights the potential unintended consequences. “This legislation could set a global precedent, but it risks deprioritizing privacy concerns. Striking the right balance between protecting kids and ensuring digital rights is key. Overreaching surveillance could end up affecting everyone, not just minors.”

Why is Australia proposing this ban?

Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids under 16 is driven by the government’s concern over the growing risks social media poses to young people. The Australian prime minister has been vocal about the dangers of excessive social media use, particularly its impact on mental health. He’s highlighted issues like body image pressures, online bullying, and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, especially for young girls. His government sees this as a necessary step to protect children from the negative side effects of digital life.

From a mental health perspective, these concerns are backed by research. Social media has been linked to rising anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues among young users. As Hendry Parsons points out, “Social media can have serious, long-term effects on kids, especially those under 16. We’re seeing more and more studies connecting social media use to mental health risks, like body image issues and self-esteem struggles. And unfortunately, kids aren’t just facing the pressures of unrealistic beauty standards — they’re also being exposed to harmful, sometimes violent, content.”

Indeed, an ExpressVPN survey of over 2,000 children across the U.S. and UK revealed that nearly a quarter of kids have been bullied online. Even more concerning, some kids reported having strangers ask which school they attend. Hendry Parsons adds, “We’ve seen in our own research that a significant number of children are experiencing real harm online. Nearly 25% have been bullied, and 17% have even been approached by strangers asking where they go to school. It’s clear that kids need more protection in these spaces.”

How would the ban work?

The proposed ban would require social media platforms to set up age verification systems for users under 16. This might involve using biometric data or government-issued IDs to ensure only users above the age limit can access these platforms.

While these steps are meant to protect kids from harmful content online, they come with some serious privacy concerns. As Hendry Parsons points out, “The collection of sensitive data for age verification, including biometric information or government IDs, introduces significant privacy risks. Without strict safeguards, this data could be exploited for targeted advertising or sold to third parties, creating a potential privacy nightmare.”

There’s also the problem that kids can easily bypass these systems. “We know that many children lie about their age online. Our research found that 24% of kids in the U.S. and UK admitted to doing so,” she adds. “While these systems might block some users, they can’t fully prevent determined kids from getting around them.”

What platforms are affected?

The proposed ban targets major platforms where children under 16 commonly spend their time. This includes:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Snapchat
• YouTube
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Discord
• Reddit

These platforms would need to implement age verification systems to block younger users. This might involve using biometric data or government-issued IDs. The move would force companies to rethink how they handle user data and could significantly alter the online landscape for Australian minors.

Supporters and opponents of the ban

Not surprisingly, the proposed plan has sparked a vigorous debate. Here’s a breakdown of the key arguments from both sides:

Supporters of the ban

The push for the ban has strong support from mental health professionals and child protection advocates. They argue that limiting access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok could reduce issues like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. Albanese has also been vocal about the need for this move, saying, “Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians. The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority.”

A national survey also shows that more than 80% of Australians support tighter regulations on social media. This includes licensing platforms and setting up age restrictions, reflecting the public’s concern about how social media is impacting young people. 

Opponents of the ban

On the other hand, critics are raising red flags. Digital rights groups and privacy advocates argue that age verification systems could lead to invasive data collection and potential misuse of personal information. There’s also concern that the ban could push kids toward more unregulated, potentially more harmful online spaces.

“While the intent behind the ban is to safeguard kids from harmful content, there’s a significant risk that the policy could push them into less regulated, more dangerous areas of the internet,” explains Hendry Parsons. “The solution can’t simply be about blocking access to platforms. We need a balanced approach that focuses on privacy, digital literacy, and keeping kids safe in a way that doesn’t push them further into the digital shadows.

“It’s not just about restricting access, but also about teaching kids how to navigate the internet safely and use it responsibly. Digital literacy is crucial—kids need to understand the risks, know how to protect their privacy and be equipped to handle issues like cyberbullying. Limiting access without proper education won’t solve the problem long term.”

Big tech companies are also pushing back. Platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube argue that the logistics of enforcing such a ban are impractical and could disrupt their business models. There’s also concern that determined kids will easily circumvent age checks, making the whole exercise ineffective.

Additionally, an open letter from over 140 experts warns that a blanket ban could be “too blunt an instrument” to tackle the problem. Critics also highlight the risk of isolating teens who rely on social media for social connection, particularly those from marginalized communities. For example, one 14-year-old refugee in Darwin pointed out that the ban could sever her only link to her grandmother abroad.

Is this really a ‘world-leading’ approach?

Australia’s proposed ban certainly makes waves as one of the most aggressive moves toward protecting young people online. But is it just an extreme experiment, or are other countries likely to follow suit?

To be clear, other countries like China and the UAE have already put strict controls in place, including limiting screen time and curbing access to certain content for minors. In China, for example, popular apps now have a “minor mode,” designed to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. The UAE also monitors minors’ online activity, imposing tight regulations on screen time. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Bill focus on safety but stop short of outright bans.

Australia’s proposal could set a new global benchmark. The main question is whether it will effectively tackle the issues it seeks to solve or create new problems. 

“If Australia’s model becomes the new global standard, other countries may follow suit, but they’ll need to tread carefully to ensure they don’t prioritize one form of safety over another—particularly when it comes to privacy and access to vital support networks,” says Hendry Parsons.

“I can only hope that the Australian government will be actively engaging with technology providers, privacy advocates, and mental health professionals to ensure that the solution is both protective and proportionate.” 

Ultimately, it’s critical that we design digital environments that support young people’s growth and well-being, without imposing solutions that may inadvertently erode personal privacy and freedom online.

So, what’s next?

The proposed legislation in Australia is still in the review phase, with the government targeting a potential passage by the end of 2025. If passed, it will require social media platforms to implement stringent age verification systems to block access for users under 16. However, key details about how these verification systems will work and how privacy concerns will be addressed remain under debate.

This law, if it moves forward as planned, will likely set a new benchmark for online safety regulations worldwide. Countries observing Australia’s approach could consider similar measures, but the path forward won’t be without challenges. One of the key questions is how tech companies will adjust to these new requirements. Social media giants will need to redesign their platforms to comply with these age checks while protecting user privacy.

How to keep your kids safe online

In the meantime, it’s important to remember that keeping your kids safe online starts with you. Hendry Parsons emphasizes, “The most effective defense begins at home. Parents can educate their kids about privacy, digital boundaries, and healthy internet habits, empowering them to navigate the online world responsibly.” 

Here’s how you can take control of your child’s online safety:

1. Set up parental controls

The first step in protecting your child online is controlling what they can access. Parental controls help block inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and control app usage.

With ExpressVPN, you get an adult-site blocker that prevents explicit websites from loading. Whether you’re using the app on Windows, iOS, Android, or Mac, you can toggle the feature on to block adult content. This works seamlessly with our Aircove router, too, which blocks explicit sites across all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi—whether or not the VPN is on.

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2. Foster open communication

Keep the conversation open with your child. Make sure they know they can talk to you about anything troubling they encounter online, whether it’s a creepy message or content that doesn’t sit right with them.

To make it easier:

• Ask them to text or email you about any online issues.
• Reassure them that they can reach out to organizations like Childhelp USA or ChildLine UK for support.
• Create a non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns.

3. Remind them not to befriend online strangers

It’s imperative to remind your child about “stranger danger” online. They should never accept friend requests or engage with people they don’t know in real life. Online strangers can easily pretend to be someone they’re not, so it’s vital to set boundaries about who they communicate with.

Also, remind them to avoid sharing personal information, like where they go to school or where they meet friends. Keep them informed about the risks of messaging and video chatting with strangers.

4. Consider username safety

Encourage your kids to get creative with their usernames. Avoid using their real name, age, or other personal details, which can make them easy targets for online predators. For example, a username like “JohnTaylor2013” could give away too much information.

By choosing more anonymous usernames, they can stay safer online.

5. Use a VPN

A VPN adds an important layer of security by encrypting online traffic and masking your child’s IP address. With ExpressVPN, their internet activity remains private, and their browsing stays secure from third parties trying to track or access their data.

Whether they’re gaming, browsing, or chatting online, a VPN helps protect them from surveillance, phishing attacks, and other online threats.

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What do you think about Australia’s proposed social media ban for kids under 16? Do you think it’s too extreme or is it a necessary step to protect young people online? Share your thoughts in the comments below!