(AFP) – Researchers reported on Thursday that Australia’s ban on social media use for those under 16 has not significantly influenced teenagers’ online habits, marking one of the first assessments of this leading initiative.
In December, Australia enacted a prohibition on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for users under 16, aiming to protect children from online bullying and problematic algorithms.
However, a study published in the British Medical Journal by an Australian research group found minimal evidence that teens are avoiding social media due to the law.
Many young users are sidestepping the restrictions by accessing accounts created by older individuals, creating fake accounts, or using private browsing options.
“Our study did not find sufficient evidence to indicate that the law had an immediate and significant effect on social media usage among youths under 16,” the researchers noted.
There is notable international interest in whether Australia’s legislation could serve as a model for regulating powerful tech firms.
Numerous other countries, including the UK, Indonesia, UAE, and New Zealand, are either implementing or contemplating similar bans.
Researchers surveyed over 400 young social media users just before the law took effect and again three months later.
They found little change among users aged 12-13, a minor decrease among those aged 14-15, and an uptick for those 16 and older.
“The findings indicate that the period right after the law’s introduction was marked by minimal enforcement, incomplete adherence, and significant evasion of social media restrictions,” the researchers indicated.
Tech companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million (roughly $34 million) if they do not make substantial efforts to remove underage users.
In March, Australia criticized Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for not fulfilling their responsibilities.
“Australia’s pioneering social media regulations are sound, yet major tech firms are not following the law,” said Communications Minister Annika Wells at that time.
“This is not impossible. It’s not challenging, even for large tech firms that are innovative and worth billions.”
The eSafety Committee of the country separately expressed “serious concerns” regarding platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
With more research suggesting that excessive online time negatively affects teens’ wellbeing, Australia’s ban has been viewed as a relief for parents concerned about their children’s screen time.
Although platforms have committed to comply with the law, they caution that it could drive teens into less monitored areas of the internet.
Social media companies are now responsible for ensuring that users in Australia are over 16 and must demonstrate that they have taken “reasonable steps” to exclude minors.
Some platforms are utilizing AI tools to gauge age based on photos, though users can also submit government IDs to verify their age.
