Considering the Social Media Ban and its Impact
With the recent social media ban for under 16s coming into effect, we explore the potential impacts on young people with disability who rely on online platforms for connection, support and community.
Considering the Social Media Ban and its Impact
Promoting the wellbeing, inclusion and safety of our young people is a priority for us here at Focus ACT. With the recent social media ban that came into effect on the 10th of December, we wanted to note some impacts that under 16s may be facing shortly.
In a joint statement, major mental-health organisations highlighted their shared concern that the proposed ban would "[cut] young people across Australia off from mental health support" (ReachOut Press Statement), expose them to new risks, and leave many without any accessible alternatives.
Australia's Leading Mental-Health Organisations Are Urging Caution
"A blanket ban is not the answer. Parents and carers deserve substantial solutions, not a false sense of security."
— ReachOut, 'Press Statement', 2024
Many adolescents use social media as the first place they go when they're struggling. It is available 24/7, does not require an appointment, and offers anonymity for those who feel uncomfortable seeking help in traditional ways.
ReachOut Research Findings
73%
of young Australians use social media to seek mental-health information and support.
50%
of young people with mental-health challenges use social media as a substitute for professional support, often because professional help is inaccessible, unaffordable or unavailable in their area.
Benefits of Online Social Connectivity
Data from the Black Dog Institute's future proofing study indicates that online social connectivity can:
Strengthen Friendships
Building and maintaining meaningful connections with peers across distances.
Reduce Social Anxiety
Providing a comfortable space to practise social interactions.
Lower Isolation
Decreasing feelings of loneliness through community connection.
The Impact on Young People with Disability
For young people with disability who may face limited mobility, reduced social opportunities, communication barriers or stigma, the ability to connect online can be life changing. People that face challenges in expressing themselves and interacting with others use social media and online platforms to access information relevant to them, as well as to hear from others who may face similar challenges. In their formative years, under 16s won't have these similar opportunities.
"It's clear government haven't given enough attention to the ways that online spaces and social media have become important avenues for children and young people with disability to stay connected and participate in education, social spaces, the economy and the community."
— Advocacy for Inclusion, 'Social media ban risks unwanted consequences and isolation for young people with disabilities', 27/11/24
Concerns About Hidden Online Behaviour
The Risk
There is a valid concern that young people will end up finding ways to illegally access social media platforms, encouraging hidden online behaviour. This makes online activity harder to track for adults, limiting their ability to moderate and support them.
The Consequences
"When we assess a bill like this, we look at unintended consequences from well-meaning reform."
— Advocacy for Inclusion, 27/11/24
Platform Responsibility, Not Youth Exclusion
Social media should absolutely be regulated, but the responsibility for creating safer online environments must rest primarily on the companies that design and profit from these platforms. Young people should not bear the burden of navigating systems intentionally built with predatory advertising, addictive features, and opaque algorithms that prioritise engagement over wellbeing. Regulation should require platforms to meaningfully reduce these harms, ensuring education is prioritised.
In Place of a Blanket Ban
Social media platforms, not young people, should be held accountable for safer online environments. Mental health organisations recommend a suite of evidence-based, practical reforms:
Empowering Young People
•Co-designing safety features with young people
•Mandatory safety tools and digital-literacy programs for under-16s
•Giving users the ability to reset algorithms
Platform Accountability
•Ending addictive "sticky features" like infinite scroll
•Greater support for parents and carers
•Verification of mental-health information
These measures aim to empower and protect rather than exclude.
Our Community Needs Nuanced Solutions
Our community needs to evaluate the practical aspects of a blanket ban—this change impacts different people in very varying ways. One size never fits all. We need to ensure that young people are protected in ways that preserve their dignity, support their autonomy and improve online safety without reducing access to support.
Real solutions are built on education, regulation, platform responsibility, and open dialogue—not forcing young people into digital secrecy.
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