Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media, Families Reflect

Australia has taken a significant step in online safety by implementing a landmark ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This legislation comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly following tragic incidents involving young people. The ban, which began on March 6, 2024, prohibits tech companies from allowing users below this age to access platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to US$33 million.

For Mia Bannister, the new law carries a bittersweet significance. Her son, Ollie Bannister, tragically took his own life last year at the age of 14 after experiencing severe online bullying and developing an eating disorder exacerbated by content on social media. Bannister, alongside other parents affected by similar tragedies, campaigned tirelessly for this legislation, hoping to prevent future families from enduring the pain they have faced.

“It’s very bittersweet. I would give anything — and I mean anything — to have Ollie here with me today,” Bannister shared with AFP. “I am proud we are leading the way, and I hope the rest of the world will follow and save future generations from online harm.”

Despite her exhaustion from months of advocacy, Bannister emphasized the importance of continuing the fight. She runs a charity focused on eating disorders in young men and believes that there is still much work to be done to protect children online.

Another parent, Wayne Holdsworth, also highlighted the need for further education regarding online dangers. He lost his 17-year-old son, Mac Holdsworth, two years ago due to a sextortion scam on social media. “Our kids that we’ve lost haven’t died in vain because today they’ll be looking down very proud of the work that we’ve all done,” he stated at a Sydney event celebrating the new rules.

While the ban has seen hundreds of thousands of teenagers logged out of their accounts, some have found ways to circumvent the restrictions. Teen content creator Zoey, who boasts over 58,000 followers on TikTok, expressed her determination to continue creating content despite the ban. “You can still find me on other platforms,” she stated in a video posted ahead of the legislation, adding, “Don’t let the stupid government that is trying to make us sad and control us bring you down.”

Authorities acknowledge that the law may not be perfect but argue that it represents a crucial step towards safeguarding young users from online harm. The Australian government hopes that this initiative will set a precedent for other countries to follow in protecting the mental health of their youth.

As Australia navigates this new landscape of social media regulation, the voices of affected families continue to resonate, reminding society of the human impact behind the statistics.