The Australian government is preparing to implement one of the most ambitious child online safety measures in the world: a social media ban for children under 16.
While the intention is to shield minors from cyber-bullying, misinformation, and excessive exposure, the rollout details suggest that the process will neither be instantaneous nor without challenges.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has warned that the ban will take time to implement. There is a real risk that children under 16 will continue accessing social media platforms, and the public has been urged to report such incidents so that complaints can be triaged and directed to the relevant platforms. The fact that age verification will not be mandatory for all users raises questions about the law’s effectiveness.
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasises that the government aims for “data minimisation” and notes that platforms already have extensive knowledge about their users. Existing age detection tools, currently employed for commercial purposes, must now be leveraged to protect children. Yet, without mandatory verification, underage users could bypass restrictions by providing false birthdates, creating loopholes in the law.
At the same time, the focus on protecting privacy is commendable. Limiting data collection ensures children’s personal information is kept safe, at a time when online data is frequently exploited. The goal is to prevent under-16s from accessing harmful content without undermining their digital privacy, balancing protection and rights.
The success of the ban will largely depend on collaboration between the government and platforms, as well as parental and societal engagement. Digital literacy education, active supervision, and enhanced safety tools in schools must accompany any technological measures to ensure meaningful protection.
In addition, the rollout process highlights the complexity of regulating digital spaces. Social media platforms operate globally, with billions of users, and enforcing age restrictions requires sophisticated tools, compliance audits, and ongoing monitoring. A ban alone will not solve the broader problem of online harm for minors—it must be part of a comprehensive strategy including education, awareness, and cultural change.
While the ban is a well-intentioned measure with significant societal impact, its effectiveness will hinge on careful implementation, collaboration with platforms, and active community participation.
Protecting children online is essential, but legislation and technology alone cannot achieve this. Education, awareness, and responsible digital practices remain the most powerful tools for keeping children safe in the digital age.
