Young Australians Challenge Social Media Restrictions

Australia’s new law banning children under 16 from using social media is set to be reviewed in the High Court. Two 15-year-olds, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, argue that the ban is unconstitutional and violates their right to free communication, reports BBC.

From 10 December, platforms such as Meta, TikTok, and YouTube will be required to prevent Australians under 16 from creating accounts. The government says the measure is aimed at protecting children from harmful content and algorithmic influences.

However, the Digital Freedom Project legal group argues the ban disregards children’s rights. The teens emphasize that social media is crucial for information sharing and community connection, particularly for children with disabilities, youth in remote areas, and marginalized groups.

Macy Neyland compared the ban to the totalitarian surveillance in George Orwell’s 1984, saying: “We shouldn’t be silenced.”

Communications Minister Anika Wells defended the government’s stance, stating: “We will not be intimidated by big tech or legal challenges.”

The Digital Freedom Project recommends alternative measures instead of a ban, including:

• digital literacy programs;
• age-appropriate platform features;
• privacy-protecting age verification technologies.

Noah Jones criticized the policy as a “lazy solution,” adding: “Protecting children should not mean silencing them.”

While tech companies oppose the ban, most Australian adults reportedly support it. However, experts warn it could isolate some children or push them to less regulated corners of the internet.