The latest announcement from Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland at the New South Wales and South Australian government social media summit has unveiled a proposed approach to managing social media access for children. In light of growing concerns about the impact of social media on young minds, the government seems to be pushing forward with plans to impose a ban on services for individuals under the age of 14. However, this approach, which has drawn significant criticism from experts in the field, risks oversimplifying a complex issue that requires a more nuanced strategy.
The proposed ban was articulated following South Australia’s initiative to restrict social media usage for children under 14. While acknowledging the serious concerns around the perils of social media—ranging from cyberbullying to exposure to harmful content—it appears that the government’s strategy may not sufficiently mitigate these risks nor prod parents and platforms towards meaningful accountability. In fact, an open letter signed by over 120 experts from Australia and abroad explicitly calls for a reconsideration of this plan, advocating for a more comprehensive exploration into how young people engage with social media.
In her address, Rowland claimed that the government plans to amend the Online Safety Act, thereby positioning platforms at the forefront of enforcement rather than placing the onus solely on parents or young users. This pivot raises pertinent questions about the practicality of relying on tech companies to foster a “low-risk” environment for youth. The government proposes to guide platforms in crafting user experiences that balance connectivity with safety, a notion that many see as fundamentally flawed. Social media is inherently designed to foster connections, yet it simultaneously poses risks that necessitate critical engagement from users of all ages—a challenge that technical solutions alone cannot rectify.
The Problem with the ‘Low Risk’ Framework
The government’s exploration of a “low-risk” framework, suggesting that certain platforms may qualify for continued access, oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of risk in the digital world. Risk is not binary; rather, it exists along a spectrum that varies based on numerous factors, including individual vulnerabilities, the context of use, and the evolving landscape of online interactions. Defining and categorizing what constitutes “low risk” becomes an arduous task fraught with contradictions and uncertainties. Without a robust means of assessing risk, the very definition of ‘low-risk platforms’ may mislead parents into a false sense of security.
Consider the case of Instagram’s newly proposed “teen-friendly” accounts. Although designed with added protections, these versions are still susceptible to the same underlying issues that plague the platform as a whole. The assumption that enhanced privacy settings and parental oversight will be sufficient to shield youth from potential harms fails to address the reality: harmful content exists, and young users will invariably encounter it—especially when transitioning to unrestricted accounts as they age. This incomplete solution could defer, rather than eliminate, the risks associated with early social media exposure.
The conversation must shift from merely focusing on youth to addressing the safety of all social media users, irrespective of age. Harmful content does not discriminate, and trends show that adult users also face serious risks on these platforms. The emphasis on “low-risk” solutions for kids overlooks the necessary steps to ensure that social media environments are safeguarded for everyone. Adequate mechanisms for reporting, content moderation, and user accountability must be fundamental components of any legislation aimed at ameliorating online environments.
Instead of pursuing blanket bans, governments should consider enhancing educational resources aimed at both children and parents. A recent report indicated that a staggering 91% of parents believe more needs to be done to educate families about possible social media harms. The South Australian government’s proposal for increased educational outreach in schools reflects a responsible acknowledgment of this need. Empowering young people and their families through education can foster resilience and develop critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the complexities of online interactions.
As the debate on social media safety for young people continues, proactive measures—rooted in education rather than restriction—could lead to safer experiences online. By collaborating with experts, prioritizing comprehensive education on digital literacy, and holding technology companies accountable, the government can craft a solution that recognizes the complexities of social media while better protecting its youngest users. The focus should be less about banning access and more about enabling informed, responsible engagement with the digital world.