Australian Social Media Ban Locks Out Young Entrepreneurs

SYDNEY: Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for users under 16 years old, affecting millions of young creators and entrepreneurs. This legislation, activated on December 10, 2023, targets major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. The move aims to enhance online safety for children but has sparked significant debate about its implications for youth creativity and business opportunities.

At just 15 years old, Dimi Heryxlim operates his food stall, House of Lim, in Burwood Chinatown, where he serves Indonesian-style chicken noodles and flavored puddings. Heryxlim utilizes social media to attract customers through engaging vlogs. He expressed concern, stating, “We use social media these days… so many people use their phones every day for hours and hours. So, (this ban) can impact (our) business a lot.” His sentiments are echoed by many young entrepreneurs who rely on social media as a cost-effective marketing tool.

Economic and Creative Ramifications

While the ban marks a significant shift in Australia’s digital landscape, industry experts suggest that its immediate commercial impact might be limited. Alex Reid, co-founder of talent management agency Amplify, noted that “most advertisers are not trying to reach the under-16s,” implying little change for many brands. Nonetheless, he cautioned that the ban hinders a critical stage of development for young digital creators. “Taking this opportunity away from kids to be creators in 2025 seems like the wrong move,” he said.

Social media has long offered a platform for young Australians to engage in creative expression and social causes. Olympic diver Sam Fricker, who supports various charities, believes that the ban could diminish venues for youth activism. “They say the law protects young people, but I think it strips away an opportunity for young people to learn and grow,” Fricker remarked.

Legal and Compliance Challenges

As the ban took effect, millions of accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 were deactivated. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the day as a triumph for families, stating that they are “taking back power” from large tech firms. The legislation mandates stringent age verification methods for social media companies, imposing potential fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million) for non-compliance.

Despite the government’s intentions, the ban has faced backlash from major tech companies and advocates for free speech. Ellese Ferdinands, a media specialist at the University of Sydney Business School, views the law as a valuable public health initiative. “Overall, I think it is a good idea because it shows we are prioritising the mental health of young Australians,” she stated.

Nonetheless, critics argue that the outright ban fails to address the needs of a digital-savvy generation. Reid emphasized the importance of integrating education with social media use. “The playground is now online, and education needs to keep up,” he explained, arguing for a balanced approach that includes teaching young people how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

As compliance becomes a pressing concern, both children and parents face no penalties for circumventing the ban. Early surveys indicate that around 75 percent of youths intend to continue using social media despite the restrictions. Legal challenges are also emerging, exemplified by two 15-year-olds, including Noah Jones, who are contesting the ban in the High Court, claiming it violates their freedom of communication. The case could potentially be heard as early as February 2024.

Digital Literacy Over Exclusion

Experts warn that reliance on underdeveloped age-verification technologies poses additional risks. Tama Leaver, a professor at Curtin University, cautioned against sidelining young people instead of empowering them. He asserted, “There are definitely some harms and risks that need to be reduced, but at the same time, we’re also disenfranchising a whole group of young people.”

Leaver highlighted the advantages of social media, which include providing connection for teens with disabilities and fostering community among those in remote areas. He advocates for enhancing digital literacy as a more effective approach to safeguarding youth. “If we don’t do something meaningful to help young people skill up, then this will be an abject failure,” he noted.

The discussion surrounding Australia’s social media ban is far from over. As the nation navigates the complexities of digital engagement and youth safety, the future of young entrepreneurs like Heryxlim hangs in the balance.