Amplifying the voices of young Australians about the 'social media ban'

  • Amplifying the voices of young Australians about the 'social media ban'

Project Overview

The project explores young people’s responses to the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, commonly referred to as the ‘teen social media ban’ that comes into effect at the end of 2025. The Act introduces a minimum age of 16 years for user accounts on social media platforms.  

Much has been written about the ban in the media, but missing from the national conversation are the young people themselves who will be impacted by the ban. This study engaged 86 12–15-year-olds to answer the research question: What do young people think about the social media ban?  

The research team interviewed young people from a variety of backgrounds around Australia who shared with us their thoughts on what the social media minimum age restrictions will mean for not only the ways they use social and digital media, but the ways they maintain social ties and connections. 

You can read a full copy of the report on APO here.

You can also find resources for parents and carers, young people, educators and online service providers at the Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner.

 

DMRC research program

This project contributes to the research within the following DMRC research program:

Creating Better Digital Futures

Project team

Investigators



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