Australian children flock back to social media despite world-first ban

Australia's stringent ban on social media for children under 16 is proving ineffective, with data revealing a significant resurgence in app usage among youngsters. Implemented in December, the legislation aimed to shield children from online bullying and predatory algorithms. However, a report from parental control software company Qustodio indicates that after an initial dip, social media activity has climbed back, nearing pre-ban levels for some platforms.

Young Australians aged 10-15 are reportedly returning to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Qustodio's data shows that 25.9 percent of 13-15 year-olds are still using TikTok, only slightly lower than before the ban. For younger children aged 10-12, usage is also nearing previous levels. This trend suggests the ban's enforcement may be lacking.

Global Online Safety Expert Yasmin London for Qustodio suggests several reasons for this resurgence. "They could be accessing these platforms with VPNs, or obfuscating their ages," she noted. "But it could really be as simple as they're just accessing these apps because the restrictions aren't working." The data also highlights a growing reliance on messaging platforms like WhatsApp, which remain unaffected by the ban. Meanwhile, a separate Australian study found little evidence that teenagers had significantly reduced their social media use as a result of the ban, further questioning its efficacy.

“

They could be accessing these platforms with VPNs, or obfuscating their ages. But it could really be as simple as they're just accessing these apps because the restrictions aren't working.