How are you feeling about the social media restrictions in Australia for under 16s?

[Sophie_M]

Hey everyone

With the upcoming Australian social media restriction for under 16-year-olds coming up we want to know what this means for you and maybe even the young people in your life. This conversation is a place for all of us to share how we are feeling and what we think the challenges and benefits might be for you or the wonderful young people in our community. 

• Have you thought about how to stay connected with friends you’ve met online?

• Are you focused mostly on the positives, or the negatives?

• What do your parents think, and what could they do to support you?

Importantly the Beyond Blue Forums are not impacted by these restrictions, we're here for anyone under 16.

In short, from December 10 Social Media companies will need to ensure that only people over 16 actively engage with their platforms.

There is a lot of information out there which can make it tricky to know what to expect on when it comes into effect. To learn more we think these are a helpful place to start eSafety commissioner + Headspace FAQs.

We know this change will impact some more than others, QLife provide anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ support and 13YARN are here for all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

We want to hear your thoughts on how this might impact the mental health of under 16s in both a positive and negative way. 

The Beyond Blue Forums are a place for constructive and helpful conversation and the regular moderation rules apply which means we look forward to a kind and understanding discussion. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings 

Sophie M

[Guest_90796483]

I’m not too happy about the social media ban. I can get a job but I can’t log into social media? Social media can be used for so many good things, I have so many online friends that I’m gonna loose because of this. The most annoying part about it all is that most problems can be avoided if kids were taught how to protect themselves online? Because trust me this ban isn’t stopping anyone. In fact it might just bring kids to even more unregulated sites that went under the radar.

The internet used to be a free space, can we keep it that way??

[Guest_77178258]

It’s honestly the stupidest thing ever. The Albanese government clearly doesn’t understand the impact this will have. They think that just because we’re “kids,” we don’t know what’s best for us. It makes us look stupid, and that’s not fair. Just because a few people have negative experiences online doesn’t mean everyone should be punished with a complete ban.

Instead of banning social media for under 16s, the government should focus on restricting certain types of content until we’re older. That would actually make a difference. There are far more important issues the government should be working on right now than worrying about what we do on social media.

[Guest_87742732]

It makes me feel more unsafe online. Why should I have to give my number just to stay in contact with my friends? Ive blocked weird people on social media and never heard from them again, but I've had people who I gave my email or number who still spam it with stuff and find out more info about me from looking up said email/number online.

I dont really get to go out or to see said friends because of physical complications, so the online world is the only place I feel like I'm part of something. Why can I get a job but not a YouTube account? I've seen more weird people on Roblox then YouTube comment sections (and for yt comment sections, the amount is infact none). Why don't people have the answers? If it's meant to go in place in December, then why are they still figuring these important things out? I don't know what to do other then just hope the very gullible AI thinks I'm old enough to make a playlist on YouTube.

I've spoken to professionals and they tell me it is unfair. But they cant change it. Why don't we get a say in this? I look up "social media ban" on X or whatever, and I see so many kids my age in even worse situations who will lose contact with family who, like me, dont have the latest tech to run kids messenger or whatever.

There are SO many people who will fall through the cracks, but we're only just a tiny percentage to those in control. I genuinely ask how am I meant to feel more safe online now? 

[Sophie_M]

Hey everyone,

There are some really thoughtful points being shared here - thank you.

It’s heartbreaking hearing that you feel like the spaces where you feel connected and part of something are set to be restricted. It’s also very valid to feel unsure about sharing personal info just to stay in touch, especially when it’s info you wouldn’t normally give out.

A few of you have mentioned education instead of a ban, which is a really interesting idea. If you could choose, what do you think young people should learn more about when it comes to staying safe online?

Thanks again everyone for sharing. It’s clear this change is impacting everyone here. If you feel like sharing how you’re going right now, even if it’s just to vent - we’re here for that too.

Sophie M 💙
 

[katylvr]

I like the idea of the ban, I do but the way I see it is they are extremely unprepared and are just pulling stuff out quite literally nowhere. They don't realise 15 year olds can pass as 16 and vise versa. So many parents will let their kids get around it, the way I see it is as a teen myself I've dropped out of high school, I have a job, I'm enrolled in a legal justice course at TAFE, which is an adult course might I add, and I won't be allowed social media for about a month which is literally no problem to me but what about the kids who have jobs, are dropped out etc. I personally think the age should lower to 13. Thats when you get a job, thats when maturity starts setting in. Parents need to realise it's also their responsibility to monitor their kids social medias at a young age, this ban isn't because of the children it's because parents don't do their job. Yes, this will stop cyber bullying but for how long? It'll increase everything they want to decrease. "The kids will be kids" I'm sorry but majourity saying this stopped parenting their kids at 13. Back to my point on why it should be lowered. banned for 13, under 16 monitored. I'm not blaming everything on parents, but children younger than 13 were never meant to be on social media, they lied about their age and almost all parents allowed that. What will stop them this time?