Australia is preparing to implement a widespread social media ban to safeguard children younger than 16. The enforcement will begin on December 4. This new effort targets 13- to 15-year-old users. It is poised to affect about 150,000 Facebook pages and about 350,000 Instagram profiles. That historic action is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and it’s already turning heads among leaders worldwide.
The ban comes as part of a broader effort to safeguard Generation Alpha, defined as anyone under the age of 15. A government-commissioned study revealed alarming statistics regarding social media use among Australian children: 96% of those aged 10 to 15 are active on social media platforms. Furthermore, 70 percent of kids have said they’ve come across dangerous content. This ranges from exposure to violent video game content to advertisements that encourage the development of eating disorders and suicide. Even more shockingly, nearly one in seven children were approached with grooming behavior by adults or peers. In addition, the majority—over 50 percent—of respondents said they have been targeted by cyberbullying.
Beginning December 4, Meta Platforms will start shutting down accounts for users whom they detect to be under 16. This change is applied across the platform to users on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. If they lose the company could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million, £25 million). This should occur unless it can prove it took all reasonable measures to prevent underage users from using its services. In response to the upcoming changes, Meta stated, “While we are committed to complying with the law, we believe a more effective, standardized, and privacy-preserving approach is needed.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells articulated her enthusiasm and belief in the importance of this legislation. She acknowledged that the effort is intended to protect young people from the threats created by social media algorithms.
“With one law, we can protect Generation Alpha from being sucked into purgatory by the predatory algorithms described by the man who created the feature as behavioral cocaine,” – Anika Wells
Wells further recognized that there could be difficulty in the enforcement of the ban. She expects “teething problems” in the first days and weeks as users get used to the new requirements.
We will continue to work with the developers to improve the transition for those impacted by this ban. They will enable these users to download and archive their posts, videos and messages before deactivation of their accounts. A spokesperson for Meta remarked that “compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process,” indicating that the company is prepared for the long-term implications of this legislative change.
We’re very excited to see Australia’s new, groundbreaking initiative to keep youth safe online. Other countries will be looking to the results to inform and guide their own policies limiting social media use by children in the future.