Proposed Social Media Ban for Under-16-Year-Olds in Australia: A Step in the Right Direction – But Are We Missing the Mark?

The Australian government’s recent move to propose a social media ban for children under the age of 16 has sparked widespread discussion about the future of online safety for young people. On the one hand, this decision sends a strong message about the government's commitment to addressing the risks that young people face in the digital world. It is a positive signal of its intention to protect children from the darker corners of the internet, and it is encouraging to see a focus on this critical issue affecting the safety and wellbeing of families in Australia and beyond.

However, as we look deeper into this proposal, several unanswered questions emerge, particularly around enforcement and the potential unintended consequences of such a ban. Without clear guidelines on how this restriction will be implemented, there’s a real risk of pushing children toward more unregulated spaces on the internet – places that can expose them to even greater harm.

A Band-aid Solution: Restrictions Alone Won't Solve the Problem 

While restrictions may seem like a straightforward solution, they do not address the root causes of the risks young people face online. Simply banning social media use for under-16s might remove one avenue for harm, but it doesn’t tackle the deeper issues related to digital literacy, responsible online behaviour, and how children engage with the internet as a whole.

Linewize Managing Director Tim Levy has shared "We all want to ensure safe, appropriate, and legal experiences for our children online and we're glad the Government wants action. The 'how' though is critically important."

As we’ve seen in other attempts to restrict online access for young people, those without the necessary digital literacy skills and tools can often find themselves entering much darker, and less regulated spaces. What’s missing from this conversation is a discussion about how we prepare children, parents, and schools for the challenges of an increasingly digital world. Have we asked them how we can help them?

Meta's VP, Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis echoed these concerns in her comments, which align with the broader safety tech industry's perspective: "However, what’s missing is a deeper discussion on how we implement protections, otherwise we risk making ourselves feel better like we have taken action, but teens and parents will not find themselves in a better place."

The real issue here is not just what’s being restricted, but how young people will navigate a world where their online spaces are constantly evolving.

Even the definitions themselves are unclear. As Michaela Loukas, a Marist Catholic College Penshurst Student, recently posted on LinkedIn "Well if this ban existed a few years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to join LinkedIn back in Year 10 when I was searching for work experience opportunities that many high schools like mine no longer facilitate." 

Complexities in Defining 'Social Media'

While the intent behind a social media ban for under-16s is clear, there are substantial challenges in defining and enforcing such a restriction. What exactly constitutes "social media"? Is it limited to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or does it extend to other types of digital interaction spaces, such as YouTube, messaging apps like WhatsApp, or even gaming platforms that have social features?

As noted by Jon Chivers, Linewize ANZ Regional Operations Director, in a renowned industry forum, there is general concern about the broad categorisation of platforms and the potential impact on school communities. As he explained: "There are significant complexities here, starting with making clear distinctions between social media and social networking sites—each has different issues. Without a detailed analysis of specific problems and the implications of restrictions, this approach won’t be truly impactful.”

One key challenge lies in the broad categorisation of platforms under the term “social media.” While the ban could target platforms traditionally associated with social media, such as Instagram or Snapchat, many platforms don’t fit neatly into one category. For example, YouTube is primarily a video-sharing platform but also allows for comments, messaging, and live interactions, which makes it a grey area. In many schools across Australia, YouTube is a daily educational tool used for a variety of learning activities. If YouTube falls under the ban, teachers and school administrators will be forced to re-evaluate their educational content and adapt to new restrictions, potentially impacting the delivery of interactive learning experiences.

Another layer of complexity arises with platforms that blend social media features with other functionalities. Apps like Discord, for instance, began as gaming-focused communities but have grown to include a broad range of social networking features. Cutting access to such platforms may inadvertently disrupt legitimate uses, like peer-to-peer learning groups or school-sponsored study channels.

Empowering Young People and Parents To Navigate The Digital World

Rather than focusing solely on restrictions, at Linewize, we have identified two commonly overlooked aspects of truly protecting children online: empowering them with enhanced digital literacy education and providing parents with the right technology and tools to guide their children's online behaviour. A holistic approach that teaches young people how to engage safely and responsibly with technology, with the right support and guidance from parents and other adults who care for them, will go much further in the long run than simply drawing lines in the sand.

At Linewize, we’re committed to equipping schools and parents with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their children's online activity. As Yasmin London, our global cyber safety advisor, points out, "Even if we push the age limit for social media up to 18, what do we do then? Do we hand a device to a teenager and allow them access to social media and say ‘good luck to you’? We need to teach them this is what you do, this is how you respond."

Digital resilience, the ability to navigate online spaces safely and constructively, is a skill that needs to be developed from an early age. Yasmin emphasises that teaching young people how to respond to online challenges – just like we teach them how to handle real-world issues – is essential for building well-rounded, responsible digital citizens.

Increasing Pressures From Parents, Especially When Devices Are Provided 

The question isn’t whether social media poses risks – it does. But the solution isn’t as simple as banning access. Schools are likely to face increasing pressure from parents to take action, especially where devices are provided by the school. 

To address these concerns, schools will need effective tools to monitor and enforce any such ban—whether that responsibility falls to them, the parents, or both. Beyond enforcement, schools also play a key role in providing ongoing education for students and parents, empowering everyone to navigate social media challenges and stay safe online.

At Linewize, we provide essential tools to empower parents and schools alike. Our Linewize Connect platform offers parents control and visibility over their children's online activity, allowing them to set rules and receive alerts about social media usage, gaming, and other online activities. It’s about providing the right support, not just restrictions.

Our cyber safety experts at ySafe also work with hundreds of schools every year to deliver ongoing education about the risks of social media, teaching both students and parents how to navigate the digital world safely and proactively. As Yasmin puts it, “We’ve got to give them the tools so that when they become adults, they are fully equipped digital citizens that are going to be able to use the online world for good and for positive benefit in their lives.”

Moving Beyond Quick Fixes:
The Importance of Filtering, Alerting, Monitoring and Education – at School, at Home and Everywhere in Between

Ultimately, this comes down to knowing the right question to ask. It shouldn’t be to ban or not to ban, it should be How can we equip our children and young people to thrive in an online world, not just protect them from it? The Australian government’s proposal is a welcome step when it comes to the awareness and action that needs to be taken to protect kids online, however, restricting use is only one part of the puzzle. True online safety requires a more comprehensive and nuanced approach that combines education, the right tools, and a focus on long-term digital resilience.

At Linewize, we’re here to help, whether it’s providing parents with the tools they need to monitor their children's online activity, or working with schools to provide ongoing cyber safety education.

While we may not have all the answers, we can help schools, parents, and students stay informed, equipped, and ready for the challenges of the digital world.

No matter your stance on the proposed ban, we all agree that the safety and wellbeing of our young people online is an issue that needs our collective attention and thoughtful, sustained action.

By Jazmin Mignaquy
ANZ Marketing Director