Australia’s proposed legislation to ban social media for individuals under 16 is well-intentioned but fundamentally flawed.

Aimed at protecting children from online dangers like cyberbullying, harmful content, and exploitation, this policy reflects one generation’s fears imposed on the next.

While the goal of safety is commendable, a blanket ban sidesteps the real issues.

It places the entire burden of enforcement on social media companies without addressing the broader support network needed to help young people safely navigate the digital world.

Social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives, and for good reason. These platforms appeal to core human needs—connection, instant feedback, and a sense of belonging.

Since Facebook’s launch in 2004, social media has driven cultural shifts, and its evolution is only accelerating. Social media today looks nothing like it did 20 years ago, and it will be unrecognisable 20 years from now. Yet this legislation doesn’t account for that evolution or the ways new technologies, like AI, are transforming online spaces. We can’t legislate effectively for the future with an outdated view of the past.

Instead, we should be guiding these platforms as they evolve, using hindsight and foresight to help shape them as safer, more balanced digital spaces.

Where Young People Really Hang Out Online

To understand the impact of this legislation, we need a realistic picture of where children are actually spending time online. Social media usage isn’t confined to traditional platforms like Facebook or Instagram; children are engaging on platforms that blend entertainment, learning, and social features.

According to a recent study, 95% of U.S. teens use YouTube, including many under 16, while 67% of teens use TikTok. Similarly, 89% of 12-15-year-olds in the UK use YouTube, with significant engagement on TikTok and Snapchat as well. And in Australia, the eSafety Commission reports that 67% of children aged 12-15 are active on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Moreover, children increasingly communicate within gaming platforms like Twitch, Roblox, and Discord, which have chat features that mirror traditional social media.

These platforms come with their own risks, from exposure to harmful content to unregulated interactions with strangers. A blanket ban targeting “social media” without clear definitions leaves these gaming environments in a grey area, creating a gap in the legislation that leaves many digital spaces unchecked.

Social Media Companies’ Role in Safety

The proposed legislation makes social media companies responsible for enforcing this age restriction, with penalties for non-compliance.

While this accountability is essential, it’s equally important that these companies implement robust safety measures, effective age verification, and meaningful safeguards against harmful interactions.

Social media and tech companies should be active partners in creating safer digital environments. But even with these measures, real progress will require collaboration beyond simple regulation.

The Problem with “Quick-Fix” Legislation

This legislation exemplifies a common approach in today’s world: finding a single, sweeping solution for complex problems.

By imposing a one-size-fits-all ban, we risk overlooking the nuances of digital engagement and ignoring the root issues. Legislation alone is a single-action solution—a silver bullet aimed at a moving target.

A safer online world requires thoughtful engagement and nuanced solutions, not quick fixes. True progress will come from a multifaceted approach that includes guidance from parents, digital literacy education, and international cooperation, as social media is inherently borderless.

Preparing Children for a Digital World

Yes, this ban may provide parents with temporary reprieve from the “everyone else is on it” argument. But what happens when a teen turns 16? Is there a “social media license” or onboarding process?

Will we assume that at 16, young people are suddenly equipped to navigate the digital world responsibly without prior exposure? Without gradual, guided engagement, they may lack the digital literacy and resilience needed to engage safely online.

Risks of Secrecy and Lost Trust

Parents have always adapted to new challenges in raising children, setting boundaries and fostering resilience through changing times.

The digital world is no different, but this legislation removes a critical choice from parents: the option to allow responsible, supervised engagement.

By making social media a forbidden zone, we risk creating one more divide between parents and children—a new layer of secrecy and shame that drives online activity underground.

Imagine a child afraid to tell their parent or teacher about a troubling experience online for fear of being reprimanded simply for being there.

Instead of fostering human connection and open conversation, this legislation encourages hidden behaviours and missed opportunities for guidance.

The digital age demands more communication, not less, if we want young people to seek help and understand how to navigate these spaces safely.

Rather than enforcing blanket bans, we should focus on creating environments where children feel comfortable coming forward, ensuring they know that when something isn’t right, there’s a trusted adult ready to listen without judgment.

Let’s Focus on a Future of Possibilities

Our children deserve a future built on possibility, not fear. Rather than restricting them from the digital world, let’s equip them with the skills to navigate it wisely and responsibly.

Social media can be reshaped to serve society better, and by leveraging AI, fostering global collaboration, and prioritising safety, we can create platforms that balance freedom with protection.

If we focus on guiding young people, fostering resilience, and creating a safer digital environment, we can help them step confidently into a world of their making.

After all, the future is theirs to shape—not ours to control.

Listen to my on-air chat with Hong Kong Radio 3’s Phil Whelan as I rave and rant about this topic (17 minutes 26 seconds):

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About Morris Misel

Morris Misel is a globally recognized business futurist and strategist with over 40 years of experience helping leaders navigate emerging trends and the complex impacts of technology on society.

Known for his forward-thinking insights, Morris brings a unique, human-centric perspective to digital strategy, social media policy, and tech’s role in shaping the future.

Having delivered over 2,600 keynotes and workshops worldwide, Morris Misel has advised CEOs, strategists, and decision-makers on the intersections of innovation, management, and responsible digital engagement.