Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Grief

Mia Bannister is turning her grief into action as Australia prepares to implement a groundbreaking law that will ban children under 16 from major social media platforms. Starting on December 10, 2023, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok will face strict penalties for allowing underage users, including fines of up to $32 million. Bannister’s advocacy stems from the tragic loss of her son, Ollie, who took his own life after a struggle with anorexia and online bullying.

“He was my best friend,” Bannister reflected, her skin inked with a eulogy to Ollie. She believes that had such legislation been in place a year ago, he might still be alive. With a poignant tattoo of a mother holding a cracked red heart, she emphasizes the deep personal loss that fuels her commitment to this cause.

Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

Ollie faced relentless online bullying, which exacerbated his mental health challenges. Apps like TikTok and Snapchat inundated him with harmful content that contributed to his eating disorder. As a single parent working full time, Bannister admits she was unaware of the extent to which social media could influence her son’s wellbeing. “I was trying to keep a roof over our heads, not really understanding either what platforms he’s on and how they work,” she stated.

Bannister places significant blame on social media companies, asserting that their unfiltered content creates a perilous environment for young users. “When parents hand their child a phone, we hand them the greatest weapon we could hand them,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.

A survey from Mission Australia reveals that approximately 97 percent of teens use social media daily, with nearly half spending three or more hours online. Conversely, those who limited their social media use to less than three hours reported better mental health and social connectivity.

Challenges and Concerns Surrounding Enforcement

The Australian government aims for this law to reshape the online experience for children, rather than completely remove them from the internet. However, significant questions arise regarding enforcement, particularly how platforms will verify user ages. While ten platforms, including Discord and WhatsApp, are currently exempt from the ban, Australian authorities reserve the right to broaden the restrictions.

Critics argue that the legislation may inadvertently restrict young people’s access to valuable opportunities. Catherine Page Jeffery, a lecturer in Media and Communications at the University of Sydney, expressed concerns about the effectiveness of blanket bans. “I don’t think that this is the right approach to online safety,” she remarked. “Rather than banning young people, I would prefer to see greater safety obligations placed on platforms.”

Jeffery warned that exclusion from these platforms could drive children to seek out unsafe online spaces, undermining the intended safety measures. “A lot of these platforms have not been built for children,” she added.

For many young individuals like Ava Chanel Jones, 12, social media plays a crucial role in personal development. Ava uses Instagram to showcase her interests in cheerleading, dancing, and modeling. Under her mother’s guidance, she has amassed over 11,400 followers and even launched her own clothing line.

Ava’s mother, Zoe, views social media as a tool for skill development but remains concerned about the upcoming restrictions. “It’s my responsibility to protect her the best that I can when she’s on social media,” Zoe said. She has adjusted account settings in hopes of maintaining Ava’s online presence, but like many, she is uncertain about the law’s implementation.

Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, argues that age restrictions are a necessary step towards preventing online harm. Yet she acknowledges that there is no quick fix to the complex issues surrounding youth and social media.

In the face of her profound loss, Mia Bannister continues to share Ollie’s story through her charity, advocating for greater awareness of eating disorders in boys and the implications of social media legislation. “I do it for him, and I do it for all the other children out there: the lost children and the ones that we’re all going to save,” she said, underscoring her commitment to protecting future generations.