Australia to restrict teen social media use

The Australian government is moving toward a social media ban for younger users, sparking concerns among youth and experts about potential negative impacts on vulnerable communities. The proposed restrictions, intended to combat issues such as addiction and online harm, may sever vital social connections for teens from migrant, LGBTQIA+, and other minority backgrounds.

Refugee youth like 14-year-old Tereza Hussein, who relies on social media to connect with distant family, fear the policy will cut off essential lifelines. Experts argue that banning platforms could increase mental health struggles, especially for teens already managing anxiety or isolation. Youth advocates are calling for better content moderation instead of blanket bans.

Government of Australia aims to trial age verification as a first step, though the specific platforms and age limits remain unclear. Similar attempts elsewhere, including in France and the US, have faced challenges with tech-savvy users bypassing restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promoted the idea, highlighting parents’ desire for children to be more active offline. Critics, however, suggest the ban reflects outdated nostalgia, with experts cautioning that social media plays a crucial role in the daily lives of young people today. Legislation is expected by the end of the year.