By Ephraim Agbo
In a bold move that’s sparking debate around the world, Australia is rewriting the rules on teen access to social media—and now, YouTube has officially been added to the list of restricted platforms for those under 16.
Back in November 2024, Australia passed a groundbreaking law requiring social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s from opening accounts—or risk facing fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
At the time, YouTube was spared. Why? It was considered educational.
But this week, the Australian government made it official: No more YouTube accounts for anyone under 16, alongside Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and others.
💡 What Changed?
The country’s internet safety regulator urged the government to act after a survey found that 37% of minors had encountered harmful content on YouTube. This data tipped the scales.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made it clear: if you're not yet 16, you won’t be creating accounts on these platforms. Period.
👦🧒 Teens Are Not Happy—And They're Speaking Out
On TikTok, young Australians vented their frustration:
“This is a massive invasion.”
“Do you really think banning us will stop us?”
“YouTube?! The app where we just watch videos?”
Some teens say they'll just lie about their age or find ways around the rules—raising the question: Can this even be enforced?
👨👩👧👦 Parents Say: Finally, We Have Backup
Not everyone’s upset.
Parents like Greg Wells, who leads the "36 Months Campaign" (which advocates raising the minimum age from 13 to 16), argue that this is a necessary pause—not a punishment.
“147,000 parents signed a petition asking for a delay, not a ban,” Greg says. “Just 36 more months for kids to develop a sense of self before the world starts judging them.”
Wells makes a powerful point:
“Now when my daughter asks for Snapchat, I can say no—and the law is on my side.”
🧠 Mental Health Experts Are More Cautious
Not everyone agrees on the urgency. Professor James Scott, a child and youth psychiatrist, warns that the link between social media and rising mental illness is not so clear-cut.
“Yes, there’s a connection—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle,” he explains.
“Factors like bullying, domestic violence, and child maltreatment are major contributors too.”
Still, he believes public health guidance on screen time and content exposure is long overdue.
🤔 But... Can This Be Enforced?
One parent asked a very real question:
“How do you enforce something like this? My kid found a way around every time limit I set.”
Well, the responsibility now lies with the platforms. Just like alcohol companies must verify legal drinking age, social media companies must verify age before allowing sign-ups.
Wells responds:
“This doesn’t mean kids can’t watch YouTube. They just can’t create accounts, follow creators, like content, or become part of that algorithm-driven digital world.”
🧑🦽 But What About the Good Side of Social Media?
Many agree that social media isn't all bad.
It can help young people:
- Connect with others
- Access educational content
- Explore global issues
- Express themselves creatively
- Find support, especially those with disabilities or isolation
Olga, one commentators, said it best:
“The problem isn’t just about age—it’s about the product. Shouldn’t we be regulating platforms the way we regulate TV and radio?”
Wells replies:
“It’s not either/or. We need both better policy and better education. Social media has become deeply embedded in our culture—and yet we’ve done so little to protect our youngest citizens from it.”
🎓 So, What’s the Real Goal Here?
The idea is not to take away access to knowledge or entertainment—but to delay full digital participation until kids are emotionally and socially ready.
Think of it like getting a driver’s license:
You can ride in the car long before you’re allowed behind the wheel.
“This isn’t about banning Baby Shark or MrBeast,” Wells jokes.
“It’s about making sure kids don’t become digital citizens before they’re ready.”
🌍 The Bigger Picture
This decision by Australia may well influence other nations. With platforms often ignoring age restrictions and the pressure on young people growing by the day, it’s clear the current system isn’t working.
And while the debate rages on, one thing is sure:
Australia just drew a line—and the world is watching.
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