Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s After Tragedy

Mia Bannister has transformed her grief into action, advocating for new legislation in Australia that will prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. This decision comes after the tragic suicide of her teenage son, Ollie, who struggled with anorexia and faced relentless online bullying. Effective from December 10, 2023, the law aims to remove minors from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok, with companies facing fines of up to $32 million for non-compliance.

Mia’s heartbreak is palpable as she reflects on her son. “He was my best friend,” she told a reporter from AFP, gazing at the tattoo that commemorates Ollie—a mother holding a red cracked heart. She believes that had this legislation been in place a year ago, Ollie might still be alive. His experience with online bullying, combined with exposure to harmful content on social media, contributed to his deteriorating mental health.

In a survey conducted by Mission Australia, approximately 97 percent of teenagers reported using social media daily, with nearly half spending over three hours online. The findings suggest that those who limited their social media use to under three hours experienced better well-being and social connections. With this law, the Australian government hopes to reshape how children interact with digital platforms rather than completely cutting them off from the internet.

Despite the goodwill behind the initiative, questions remain regarding enforcement and age verification on these platforms. Ten major platforms, including Discord, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, will not be subject to the ban for now, but authorities reserve the right to expand the law to include all platforms if necessary. Critics, including Catherine Page Jeffery, a lecturer at the University of Sydney, argue that blanket bans can be counterproductive. “I don’t think that this is the right approach to online safety,” she stated, emphasizing the need for platforms to impose greater safety obligations.

For many young users, social media plays a crucial role in identity formation and skill development. Twelve-year-old Ava Chanel Jones exemplifies this, using Instagram to showcase her talents in cheering, dancing, and modelling. With over 11,400 followers, she has turned her passion into a potential income stream. Her mother, Zoe, actively monitors Ava’s interactions on the platform, ensuring her safety while allowing her to explore new opportunities.

Despite the potential benefits, Zoe is concerned about how the upcoming legislation will impact Ava’s access to her account and her ability to engage with her audience. “I am proud of her,” she said, highlighting the skills Ava is acquiring through her online activities. With the law’s implementation approaching, many parents share Zoe’s uncertainty about how it will be executed and what it means for their children’s engagement with social media.

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, describes the age restrictions as a “really potent solution” to combat online harm. Yet, she acknowledges that there is no instant remedy for the complex issues surrounding youth and social media.

Mia Bannister continues to channel her pain into advocacy through her charity, which raises awareness about eating disorders among boys and the implications of social media on mental health. “I do it for him, and I do it for all the other children out there,” she said, expressing hope for a future where fewer families experience similar tragedies.

As Australia prepares to enact this groundbreaking legislation, it underscores the urgent need to address the impact of social media on youth. The balance between protecting children and fostering their digital development remains a critical challenge for policymakers and society at large.