Ban – not the answer

The Australian government’s proposal to ban teenagers from accessing popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube has sparked an intense debate on online safety for children. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a strong proponent of the ban, argues that restricting teens’ access will protect them from the mounting mental health crises, bullying, and predatory behaviour associated with excessive social media use. Yet while the concerns are valid, banning these platforms outright is a blunt instrument that may do more harm than good. The rise in social media use among young Australians is undeniable. Statistics show that nearly 97 per cent of Australian teens are active on multiple platforms, making them some of the world’s most connected youth. But taking away access to these platforms would cut off more than just the content – it would eliminate a digital meeting space where today’s teens socialise, learn, and find community. Social media has indeed amplified body image issues and other insecurities, particularly among girls, and has been tied to harmful content trends, such as the Tide Pod Challenge. However, social media has also provided countless young people with spaces to embrace and celebrate diversity, forge supportive communities, and find identities outside conventional norms.

Proponents of the ban point out that social media companies have a responsibility to create safer platforms, which is true. Schools need to be equipped to teach young people about responsible social media use, and parents need to be more aware of online trends and guide their children’s behaviour. Governments, too, can do more by creating safer, more engaging third spaces for teens – community centres, recreation programmes, and digital platforms where kids can interact in a protected environment. This lack of alternatives makes social media the default meeting ground for teenagers, much like the mall was for teens of the 1990s. But social media can expose teens to age-inappropriate content and predators. A ban might reduce exposure to these risks, but at what cost? Without access to safe online spaces, children could become more isolated and grow up in an environment devoid of peer interaction – a crucial part of social development.

A ban also assumes that restricting access to social media will solve underlying issues. Bullying, predatory grooming, and body image struggles are complex problems deeply rooted in our culture, not just social media. Addressing these requires long-term solutions, such as media literacy and parental guidance, to equip teens with the skills to navigate social media responsibly. Pop culture, with its misogynistic undertones, often contributes to body image issues, and social media is just a reflection of these standards. Only changing this broader culture will create lasting change. While the Australian government’s proposal has ignited a much-needed debate about children’s safety online, it is not a sustainable or holistic solution. Rather than restricting access, Australia and other governments worldwide would do well to pursue a balanced approach that combines stricter content regulations for social media platforms, robust media literacy programmes, and safe, engaging offline spaces for teens. A populist measure like a social media ban may win short-term applause, but in the long run, it risks alienating and isolating young people even further. The discussion has begun, but before the government commits to a ban, it should look for healthier, more constructive alternatives that protect teens while respecting their need for connection in an increasingly digital world.