There is a first public ban on the use of social media by children. Should he also be in Poland?

This makes it one of the first countries in the world to introduce such stringent regulations in this area. The law, which was passed on November 28 after a heated debate, places the responsibility for compliance on internet giants such as Meta (Facebook, Instagram) and TikTok. These companies are obliged to prevent minors from logging in. Violations of the regulations could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million).

The new regulations, which are scheduled to come into force in 2025, are the strictest regulations targeting Big Tech to date. The first tests of their enforcement will begin in January next year. The ban gained the support of as many as 77% of the public, despite the opposition of some children’s rights and privacy groups.

Australia. Social media banned for children under 16

Unlike other countries such as France and the United States, which have introduced age restrictions requiring parental consent, the Australian law provides for a complete ban on the use of social media for people under 16 years of age. Children under 14 will also be subject to a total ban, even if they try to circumvent the regulations with adult consent.

“This is a decisive step forward in protecting the mental health of young Australians,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “We want kids to be kids and have time to develop in the real world, without the pressure and dangers of social media.”

Social and political debate

The ban comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health. A parliamentary inquiry in 2024 heard moving testimony from parents whose children experienced cyberbullying that led to self-harm and, in some cases, even suicide. The Let Them Be Kids campaign, led by Australia’s largest publisher News Corp, played a key role in building public support for the bill.

Despite widespread public support, the bill was met with criticism from children’s rights groups.

“Taking away young people’s access to social media does not solve the problem of their addiction or peer pressure. This is just sweeping the problem under the carpet,” argues Kate Jennings, a digital rights expert.

Political victory of the Prime Minister

The passage of the bill is a political triumph for Prime Minister Albanese, who faces falling poll results. The new law may become a key element of his 2025 election campaign, presenting him as a leader capable of making bold decisions.

Tensions with the US and the Big Tech industry

However, the ban could strain Australia’s relationship with its key ally, the United States. Elon Musk, owner of Platform X (formerly Twitter), described the regulations as “a behind-the-scenes way of controlling access to the Internet for all Australians”. Musk, an important figure in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, joined the growing chorus of critics of the new regulations.

The law deepens tensions between Australia and US tech giants. The country has previously forced platforms to pay media royalties for sharing content and threatened fines for failing to effectively remove fraud.

A spokesman for Meta, the owner of Facebook, expressed “concern” about the way the regulations were passed, pointing to a lack of consideration for the voices of the industry and youth:

“The task now is to ensure productive consultation on all policies relating to the Bill to ensure a technically feasible outcome that does not place an onerous burden on parents and teenagers, and a commitment that the principles will be consistently applied across all social media applications used by teenagers,” he said spokesman.

Snapchat reported similar concerns, while declaring compliance with the regulations. The company pointed out the difficulties associated with their practical implementation:

“We will work closely with the government and the e-Security Commissioner over the 12-month implementation period to help develop an approach that balances privacy, security and practicality,” a Snap spokesperson noted.

Representatives for TikTok and X declined to comment, while Alphabet (the owner of Google and YouTube) is calling for the regulations to be delayed until the age verification process is completed.

“It’s the cart before the horse,” commented Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group, pointing to the lack of guidelines on enforcement methodology.

A nation divided

The new laws have divided Australian public opinion. Youth groups and scientists have warned that the ban could cut off vulnerable young people, including LGBTQIA teenagers and migrants, from important support networks. The Australian Human Rights Commission has warned that the law may violate young people’s rights by limiting their ability to participate in society.

Privacy advocates also raise concerns that the law will lead to increased collection of personal data, opening the door to state surveillance. A last-minute change to the law stipulates that platforms must offer alternatives to users uploading identity documents.

“It’s the boomers who are trying to tell young people how the internet should work to make them feel better,” said Sarah Hanson-Young, a senator from the leftist Greens, during a late Senate hearing, where the bill was passed by a vote of 34-19.

On the other hand, parent groups supported the new regulations, citing the words of American doctor Vivek Murthy, who said that social media was worsening the youth mental health crisis.

“Introducing an age limit and giving control back to parents is the starting point,” said Ali Halkic, an Australian anti-bullying advocate whose son Allem took his own life in 2009 after being cyberbullied.

The voice of young people

Young Australians are also speaking out about the ban. Enie Lam, a student from Sydney, believes that while social media can be harmful, a ban could be counterproductive:

“It will only create a generation of young people who will be more tech-savvy to get past these walls,” she told Reuters.

“We all know that social media is not good for us, but the ban sees many young people strongly opposed to it.”