Online Bullies and Under 16 Users – Is Australia’s Social Media Ban the Answer?

Kirra Pendergast, founder of cyber safety organization Safe on Social, faced unprecedented hostility from 12 and 13-year-old students during a school talk in Brisbane. The session was disrupted by misogynistic insults and expletive-filled remarks, forcing her to leave the event in tears. 

Reflecting on the incident, she shared, “I believe that the behavior I witnessed today is completely driven by things that they’ve seen online. It has to change.” Formerly an opponent of banning social media for minors, Pendergast has now joined the campaign for stricter regulations, stating, “You know what? Ban it. Just ban it.”

Proposed Legislation Targets Social Media Giants

The Australian government is considering groundbreaking legislation to ban social media use for children under 16. The proposal includes hefty fines of up to AUD 50 million ($32 million) for companies failing to enforce age restrictions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the urgency, declaring, “Too often, social media isn’t social at all. The truth is it’s doing harm to our children, and I’m calling time on it.”

If passed, the law will mandate age verification technologies while addressing privacy concerns. Critics, however, argue the legislation is politically motivated and could drive children toward unregulated online spaces.

Moreover, the ban is expected to be applicable on social media services including TikTok, X, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Tragic Losses Fuel Support for Ban

The deaths of 12-year-olds Charlotte O’Brien and Ella Catley-Crawford, both victims of cyberbullying, have intensified calls for reform. Charlotte’s parents have rallied behind the legislation, acting on her last request to raise awareness. “No parent wants to go through what we’re going through,” said Matthew Howard, Charlotte’s father, after presenting a petition with 124,000 signatures to the government.

Experts Divided on the Ban’s Effectiveness

While some experts advocate for the ban to curb harmful behaviors, others believe it oversimplifies a complex issue. Dr. Danielle Einstein, a clinical psychologist, supports the move, stating, “Phones and group chats are replacing face-to-face interactions that teach children how to connect and resolve conflicts.” 

Conversely, Amanda Third of Western Sydney University warned, “The idea of a ban is incredibly seductive for parents because it feels like it’s just going to take that off your list of things to worry about.”

Elon Musk, the owner of X, criticized the bill, stating it was an excessive government intervention. Furthermore, he posted that it “seemed like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians.”

A Long Road Ahead

As the debate unfolds, tech companies, lawmakers, and advocacy groups remain at odds. The proposed law, if enacted, would allow a 12-month compliance window. Whether this measure is the solution or merely a starting point, the urgency to protect children online is clearer than ever.

Suggested Read:

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship Test Faces Booster Catch Glitch During Trump Visit

Jaguar’s “Copy Nothing” Bold Campaign is Driving Digital Buzz Across the Internet