Banning Social Media for Under 16s?

Banning Social Media for Under 16s?

Why this big move might be part of the solution but far from the whole answer.

It’s official. Australia is moving forward with a minimum age requirement of 16 for social media access. It’s being framed as a bold step toward protecting our kids from the harms of the digital world. And look as parents and carers, we get it. When your child is glued to a screen, skipping dinner to scroll, or crying over something that happened in an app you’ve never even used… the urge to pull the plug is strong.

So, part of this feels like a relief. A collective, “Yes! Someone’s finally doing something.”

But as with many “big” solutions, it’s not so simple. And as the dust settles, the question we’re left with is this:

Are we really addressing the right problem or just grabbing the loudest lever?

The Why Is Clear. The How Is… Not.

Social media can be a minefield. We’ve seen the studies. Kids are exposed to harmful content, addictive algorithms, predatory ads, and sometimes a sense of deep loneliness in what’s meant to be a social space. So yes, regulation is long overdue.

But banning access until 16? That’s a heavy hammer. As over 140 experts wrote in an open letter to the Prime Minister, it’s a “blunt instrument” one that risks missing the very complexity of childhood in a digital world

Because here’s what we know:

• Young people use social media to connect. It’s where they talk, share, laugh, support, and learn from one another. For many, it’s a lifeline, especially for LGBTQIA+ youth, rural teens, or those managing mental health struggles.

• 73% of teens turn to social media for mental health support. That’s not a side note. That’s the frontline of care for many families

• Age verification isn’t reliable yet. So, there’s a very real risk that kids will still access platforms, just without safety measures or transparency. Think back-alley version instead of front-door with rules.

• And who carries the burden? Parents and carers. Many of whom are already exhausted, outpaced by tech, and expected to be both gatekeeper and expert.

There’s a Better Way, But It’s Harder

So, what’s the alternative? Well, it’s not as headline-grabbing, but it’s far more impactful: systemic reform, platform accountability, and education that empowers, not punishes, young people.

It’s steps like:

• Mandating platform safety design for everyone, not just banning access.

• Investing in digital literacy education that’s actually engaging.

• Supporting carers with real-time tools and advice, not vague responsibility.

• Listening to young people about what they need to feel safe, seen, and supported online.

As one youth worker put it, “There will be kids who lose their online lifeline, and no one sees that until it’s too late.” We need to make sure that in protecting our children, we’re not cutting them off from the very things that help them thrive.

A Final Thought (and a Gentle Challenge)

This ban? It’s a conversation starter. A signal that yes, online life matters and needs attention. But if we want real change, we need to dig deeper.

Parents and carers don’t need blunt rules, we need thoughtful support. Young people don’t need more shame, they need to be seen, heard, and safe.

So as this law comes into effect, let’s keep asking:What else needs to change? Who else needs to act? And how do we create a digital world where kids don’t just survive but actually flourish?

At The Poppet Centre, we’ll keep pushing for that broader vision. Because raising kids in a digital age isn’t easy. But together, we can do it wisely.