Australia Sets Global Precedent with Strict Social Media Ban for Children

Business Reporter

Zimbabwe-Australia has made a groundbreaking move in regulating social media use among children, with the parliament approving a ban on children under 16 from using social media platforms. This move aims to shield young people from the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators.

The ban is part of Australia’s broader efforts to protect children from online harms, with the government emphasizing the need to safeguard young people’s well-being in the digital age. However, critics argue that the ban may have unintended consequences, such as driving children to less regulated online platforms or infringing upon their right to freedom of expression.

As the world watches Australia’s pioneering move, many are questioning whether a total ban is the most effective solution. Some argue that education and regulation, rather than prohibition, might be a more effective approach to protecting children online.

The ban, which will come into effect in 12 months, will require tech companies to restrict access to their platforms for minors. Non-compliant companies will face fines of up to A$50m. The government has emphasized that this measure is necessary to safeguard the well-being of children and ensure that parents have more control over their children’s online activities.

While this ban is not the first attempt globally to restrict children’s social media use, it is notable for being the strictest. The minimum age of 16 is the highest set by any country, and there are no exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.

The ban has received support from many parents and caregivers, with 77% of the population backing the measure. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on privacy and social connection. Some experts have also warned that the ban may drive children to less regulated corners of the internet.

The Australian government has acknowledged that implementing the ban will be complex and has committed to working with tech companies and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. A trial of age-verification technologies will commence in January, with the goal of finding a solution that balances privacy, safety, and practicality.

This move by Australia is being closely watched by other countries, with Norway and the UK considering similar measures. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by social media, Australia’s ban on children under 16 from using social media platforms is a significant development that may have far-reaching implications.

Addressing online child safety, Africa has a large and growing youth population, making it essential to address online child safety concerns. Regulatory frameworks have been described as essential and for  African countries, they can develop regulatory frameworks to govern social media use, including age restrictions and online safety guidelines. The ban highlights the need for digital skills development programs to equip African youth with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

However, African countries can collaborate regionally to share best practices, develop common regulatory frameworks, and address online child safety concerns.

Zimbabwe is on record of continuously developing frameworks inline with cyber security and can learn from Australia’s experience in regulating social media to protect children and promote online safety by implementing age verification technologies to restrict access to social media platforms for minors.

The Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) with the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is on the drive of living no one behind, educating even the elderly on digital skills. Zimbabwe developed digital literacy programs and cyber security awareness programme to educate children, parents, and caregivers about online safety and responsible social media use.