Australia is planning to enforce a ban on social media use for under 16 starting December. A UK government-commissioned report says this is technically doable, but enforcement comes with risks, notably with identity checks, facial recognition, and getting parental permission. All these methods raise privacy concerns and may not always be accurate. The report says there’s no perfect method, and suggests a layered approach plus stronger privacy safeguards.
Platforms could face fines if they fail to take ‘reasonable steps.’ While many parents support the ban, critics worry it could cut children off from social connections or push them toward less regulated parts of the internet.
HOW AUSTRALIA PLANS TO ENFORCE THE SOCIAL MEDIA BAN
The report maps out a few options. Platforms could require ID or use facial recognition, or get approval from a parent or guardian. But these methods are far from certain. ID systems can be faked, facial scans might misidentify users, and parental approvals can be abused. Every solution has drawbacks around accuracy and data protection.
There’s no perfect tech fix, says the report. Instead, it urges a multi-layered strategy backed by better safeguards. It suggests that platforms take “reasonable steps” to comply or else face penalties.
WHY THE BAN COULD BACKFIRE
The proposed ban is popular with many parents, who want to shield their kids online. But critics warn it may do more harm than good. It could cut teens off from their friends, or drive them to hidden corners of the internet where content is even less regulated.
This push reflects how governments worldwide are wrestling with how to keep young people safe online, while respecting their privacy. There’s no easy answer, and the path ahead looks complicated.
Undoubtedly, a ban could reduce exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and constant comparison, giving space for better sleep, focus, and offline friendships. But it also risks removing a vital source of connection and peer support.
“Removing social media may reduce anxiety triggers like likes and comparisons, but it also risks cutting off a valuable channel of social belonging. Mental health is not just about protection from harm, but also about access to support and connection.,” says Dr Afreen Parween, Psychologist.
RISKS OF CHILDREN TURNING TO UNREGULATED ONLINE SPACES
Experts warn that if platforms like Instagram and TikTok are blocked, young users may look for alternatives such as anonymous apps or VPNs. These spaces are often less moderated and could expose children to harmful content or exploitation.
“When restrictions feel too rigid, children often seek loopholes. Unfortunately, this can lead them into darker, less moderated corners of the internet, where exposure to harmful content, grooming, or misinformation is more likely,” says Dr Parween
HEALTHIER STRATEGIES BEYOND A BLANKET BAN
Instead of a total ban, psychologists suggest a mix of digital literacy education, age-appropriate platform design, and parental involvement. Encouraging offline activities like sports and arts can also help children balance their digital and real-world lives.
“The goal should not be to ban, but to guide. When children learn how to use social media consciously with boundaries, balance, and support, they are more resilient to its negative effects and better able to harness its positive ones,” Dr Afreen Parween suggests.
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