The social media ban for under 16s: What it means for Australian schools
The Federal Government unveiled its proposed social media ban for Under-16s in parliament last week, sparking questions on its potential impact on schools.
On Thursday November 21, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland introduced The Online Safety Amendment Social Media Minimum Age Bill 2024, an amendment to the existing Online Safety Act of 2024.
The amendment proposes a minimum age of 16 for accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, and X. Messaging services such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are exempt, as are educational platforms like Google Classroom and YouTube. The move has garnered widespread community support for its goal of protecting children from the more dangerous aspects of social media.
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Professor Therese Keane from La Trobe University has said: “Social media is affecting our children in so many ways, from self-esteem issues to an inability to interact in person, through to misinformation, harmful content and dangerous TikTok challenges.”
Journalist Ben O’Shea expressed concern that “some 13-year-old boys in Perth celebrated Donald Trump’s win because of content they were exposed to on social media, identifying with the toxic “your body, my choice” rhetoric from America’s far-right.”
However, the ban has sparked debate about its effectiveness, particularly regarding enforcement and broader implications.
Complexities in protecting youth online
Dr Alexia Maddox from La Trobe University points out that while protecting young people is crucial, the relationship between social media and youth mental health is multifaceted. “The research community is divided,” she said. “Some advocate for access restrictions, while others emphasise digital rights and the importance of fostering resilience online.”
Professor Barney Tan, Head of the School of Information Systems and Technology Management at UNSW, notes that any regulation must account for the realities of technology in daily life. “While social media poses challenges, it also offers educational resources, social connections, and creative opportunities,” he explains.
In their 2025 Trends Data survey, McCrindle Research revealed that 57 percent of Gen Z wish social media had never been invented, reflecting growing recognition of its downsides. However, it is Gen Alpha—12 to 15-year-olds—who stand to be most affected by the ban, many of whom have grown up immersed in digital environments.
“This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the downsides of social media,” said Tan, “such as mental health challenges, pressure to conform, and privacy concerns. While social media has undoubtedly transformed how we communicate and share information, it has also created new challenges.”
Challenges in implementation
Despite its noble intent, the success of the proposed ban will depend on effective enforcement and collaboration with social media companies. Professor Tan explains that the government is exploring stricter age verification mechanisms, such as digital IDs or biometric checks, to prevent minors from lying about their age. Yet, these measures raise concerns about privacy, practicality, and scalability.
Historically, children have bypassed age limits with ease, and similar behaviour could undermine the new law unless rigorous controls are implemented. “Without stringent age verification mechanisms and industry cooperation, children may find ways to circumvent these restrictions,” Tan warns. “The success of these measures also relies on clear communication with parents, who play a vital role in guiding their children’s online behaviours.”
Lessons from overseas
Australia is one of the first countries to attempt a ban like this. The United States and European Union have enacted laws such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to protect minors online. COPPA requires parental consent for children under 13 to use online services, while GDPR includes provisions for the protection of children’s data.
Professor Tan explains that China offers the closest example of stringent control on minors:
“China offers a striking example of strict regulation with its ban on mobile gaming for youths. Minors are restricted to limited gaming hours, primarily on weekends and public holidays, and real-name registration is mandatory for access.”
“While this approach demonstrates how stringent enforcement can curb youth engagement with digital platforms, it also raises concerns about privacy, autonomy, and potential unintended consequences, such as pushing minors towards unregulated or illegal platforms. We could see the same challenges here in Australia.” Professor Barney Tan
Implications for schools
The proposed social media ban for under-16s raises significant implications for Australian schools, which may have to adjust their policies on technology use, digital literacy programs, and safeguarding measures.
While the legislation aims to shield students from harmful content and misinformation, its broader success will depend on enforcement, industry cooperation, and the role schools play in fostering a safe and balanced digital environment. Whether or not a government-led ban can effectively protect young Australians while schools strive to prepare students to responsibly navigate a digital and connected world, remains a question for tomorrow.
