Australia's Controversial Social Media Ban: Teens Speak Out

Wed Dec 10 2025 10:40:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Australia implements a ban on social media access for under-16s, sparking debate on safety versus social connection. Teenagers express frustration and highlight the need for communication in their lives.

Australia has rolled out a new law prohibiting social media use for children under the age of 16, with many teens voicing their concerns about losing crucial means of connection. Supporters recommend the ban as a safety measure, while critics fear it could push children towards less regulated online environments. As the law takes effect, young Australians like Breanna Easton and Jacinta Hickey illustrate the dilemma of balancing safety with the need for social interaction in the digital age.

Australia's Controversial Social Media Ban: Teens Speak Out

Australia's social media ban for those under 16 has sparked significant outrage among teenagers, who feel disconnected from their peers as the new rule goes into effect. The debate surrounding the ban hinges on issues of safety versus the importance of social interaction and connectivity.

Fifteen-year-old Breanna Easton, who lives in the outback of Queensland, illustrated the impact of this ban. Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other, she lamented, emphasizing her reliance on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok to maintain contact with distant friends. Her mother, Megan, is conflicted, noting that while protection is vital, the ban may hinder her children’s development in navigating social media responsibly.

In Sydney, 14-year-old Jacinta Hickey expressed her frustration with the ban. It's a bit insulting that they think we can't handle it, she stated, asserting her maturity to manage social media effectively. Yet her principal, Iris Nastasi, supported the law, advocating for childhood innocence amidst rising digital pressures.

The law, driven by concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health, follows a year of contemplation and advocacy for child well-being. Premier Peter Malinauskas's efforts helped usher the law into being after his wife was moved by the book 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, which outlines the dangers posed by digital platforms to today’s youth.

However, concerns loom over how this blanket restriction affects vulnerable minority groups, especially LGBTQ+ youth, who often rely on social platforms for community support. As the law faces scrutiny and potential challenges, the dialogue continues on striking the right balance between youth safety and the essential need for social connection in today's digital era.