Teenagers in Australia are seeking clarity from major tech companies as the country prepares to implement a groundbreaking social media ban for users under the age of 16. The new regulations, which come into effect on December 10, 2023, aim to enforce the Social Media Minimum Age obligation, requiring platforms to take significant steps to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, expressed disappointment that several tech firms have yet to provide the necessary guidance. “It’s disappointing … we suggested the best time frame was two weeks in advance,” she stated during a press briefing at Parliament House. Companies like TikTok are expected to share compliance measures in the upcoming days, while others such as Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, as well as Snapchat, have already issued advice.
The impending restrictions will apply to both new and existing accounts across ten designated social networks, including Twitch and Reddit. Twitch has committed to preventing users under 16 from creating new accounts starting December 10 but indicated that existing underage accounts will not be deactivated until January 9, 2024.
Inman Grant emphasized the importance of communicating the transition process to young users. “We have asked companies to compassionately and kindly convey to young people how they plan to deactivate or move their accounts and give them choices,” she said.
A recent study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre highlighted the concerns of teenagers regarding the upcoming ban. The research involved interviews with 86 young people aged 12 to 15, revealing feelings of unsupported transition as they prepare to leave certain platforms. One 13-year-old participant noted, “We’re only getting their news about kids who are being cyberbullied rather than the ones who found a network.”
In light of the social media ban, Jason Clare, Australia’s Education Minister, drew parallels to the country’s two-year-old prohibition on phones in schools. He believes that this new social media regulation will enhance educational performance. “What teachers tell me is it means that kids are now focused on them in the classroom, rather than on their phones in the playgrounds,” Clare explained. He added that the playgrounds have become more vibrant and active during recess.
Despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health. Clare described addictive platforms as “like poker machines for kids,” emphasizing the negative emotional effects they can have on young people.
Child psychologist Daniela McCann warned that teenagers may experience withdrawal symptoms as the ban approaches. Parents should prepare for potential irritability and mood swings as their children adjust to new routines post-December 10. “This is completely normal. Parents should expect some emotional turbulence as habits shift and routines change,” she advised.
As Australia prepares for this significant regulatory shift, the focus remains on how tech companies will respond and the impact on the lives of young Australians. With guidance still pending from several major platforms, the next few days will be crucial for both the tech industry and the teenagers awaiting clarity.
