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A month after Australia enacted the world’s first ban on social media access for users under 16, reactions are proving deeply divided, with some teenagers reporting feelings of liberation while others circumvent restrictions with ease. The policy, designed to protect youth from online harms, is already facing real-world tests of its effectiveness.
The Australian government began enforcing the landmark legislation on December 10th, mandating that social media platforms verify user ages and block those under 16. Platforms failing to comply face substantial fines, potentially reaching 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $48.5 billion won).
The Disconnect and Unexpected Benefits
For some teenagers, the ban has prompted a noticeable shift in behavior. A 14-year-old from Sydney, identified only as Amy, described feeling “disconnected from her phone” in initial reports to the BBC. She recounted instinctively reaching for social media apps even knowing access was blocked, documenting the impulse in her diary.
However, Amy also noted a surprising benefit. “It’s sad that I can’t send snaps to my friends,” she wrote, “but it honestly feels liberating to know that I can still text on other platforms and no longer have to worry about streaks.” The feature known as “streaks” – requiring daily photo and video exchanges on Snapchat – has long been criticized for its addictive qualities.
Amy further expressed relief at avoiding potentially harmful content, referencing the recent shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. “I’m glad I didn’t spend too much time on TikTok because I probably would have been exposed to an overwhelming amount of negative information and potentially shocking content,” she stated.
Circumvention and Limited Impact
Despite the intent of the law, enforcement challenges are immediately apparent. A 13-year-old, named Ahil, reported that the ban had “nothing changed” his daily routine, continuing to spend roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes on social media. He successfully created accounts on platforms like YouTube and Snapchat using fabricated birthdates, and continues to utilize gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord, which are currently exempt from the restrictions.
Another 15-year-old, Lulu, has bypassed the age verification process by creating a new account indicating an age of 16 or older, allowing continued access to TikTok and Instagram. While Lulu reported an increase in reading, there was no corresponding increase in outdoor activities or in-person social interaction.
The anticipation of the ban also spurred a surge in downloads of lesser-known social media applications, including Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar, as teenagers sought alternatives.
Parental Perspectives and Long-Term Effects
The impact on teenagers is not uniformly clear, even to their parents. Yuko, Amy’s mother, observed that her daughter “seems satisfied with spending time alone,” but cautioned that it’s too early to determine whether this change is directly attributable to the social media ban. “Only time will tell whether it will be a positive or negative change,” she said.
The Australian government’s initiative represents a bold attempt to address the growing concerns surrounding youth exposure to online risks. The long-term consequences of this pioneering legislation remain to be seen, but the initial reactions highlight the complex interplay between regulation, adolescent behavior, and the evolving digital landscape.
