Australia social media ban: Teens urge removal of harmful content instead of banning them

Australia enacts social media ban for under-16s

Starting 10 December, social media platforms will be legally required to prevent Australians under 16 from opening accounts. This new regulation aims to shield young people from potential online harms.

Teenagers call for focusing on harmful content, not bans

Many teens express frustration with the government’s approach. Instead of banning their access, they urge authorities and platforms to concentrate on eliminating damaging and inappropriate content, creating safer environments overall.

"Removing the content that causes harm is more effective than simply blocking young users," said one young participant in the debate.

Policy context and impact

The law intends to reduce exposure to cyberbullying, misinformation, and other risks faced by minors online. However, critics argue that restricting access may not address the root problems and could limit beneficial social and educational opportunities.


The article highlights a tension between safeguarding youth online and preserving their digital freedoms, reflecting teens' preference for targeted content regulation over broad access restrictions.

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BBC BBC — 2025-11-28

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