Expert explains why Australia's teen social media ban could do more harm than good

Australia's new legislation banning social media for under-16s is unlikely to be effective and could be harmful, as it lacks a clear enforcement plan and ignores the potential benefits of social media for young people. The expert emphasizes that instead of bans, a better approach involves holding tech companies accountable for online harms and supporting research on social media's impact on youth.

Social Media Enforcement

• 00:00:35 The Australian government's plan to enforce a social media ban on users under 16 is unclear and lacks a concrete strategy, with no apparent method to verify user age. The effectiveness of this law is questionable given that technologies for age estimation are flawed and users are unlikely to share personal information like passports or driving licenses to access platforms.

Social Media Harms

• 00:01:23 Social media poses several risks to children, including distracted driving, exposure to harmful content, and negative influences like self-harm or eating disorders. While the dangers are real and concerning, the ban is seen as a superficial measure rather than a practical solution to address the root of these issues.

Alternative Approaches

• 00:03:03 Several other countries, like South Korea and China, have attempted social media restrictions with limited success. South Korea's internet shutdown for underage users failed to improve wellbeing and sleep patterns, and China's gaming time restrictions haven't yielded desired results. The expert advocates for a more collaborative approach, involving young people and researchers to improve online safety instead of imposing strict bans.

Tech Companies Responsibility

• 00:04:27 Social media companies should be held accountable for the effects their platforms have on young people, including sharing data with researchers to assess benefits and harms. The expert suggests that taxes paid by tech firms should be redirected towards understanding and supporting youth well-being, and the development of ethical design codes to ensure online safety.

Human Rights Implications

• 00:06:02 The social media ban could violate human rights, including the right to information and participation in online communities. Young people often rely on social media for news and social interaction. As seen in other countries, such restrictions have been repealed due to constitutional concerns, suggesting a similar outcome may occur in Australia.