Australia is leading the way: no social media for people under 16

How often have you checked your social media channels today? How often have you been happy about a post or had a bad feeling? Even seemingly harmless posts are often accompanied by nasty comments and heated discussions. This leaves its mark on many people’s self-confidence and mental health.Australia no longer wants to accept this. The Land Down Under prohibits children and young people under the age of 16 from accessing social networks.Tech companies such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram are held responsible. A model that could also be discussed in Germany?

TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram will no longer be accessible to children and young people under the age of 16 in Australia. A corresponding law was passed by the Australian Senate, which is considered to be unique in the world. While adults have a certain level of media literacy, children and young people still have to learn it.

Australia has passed a first-of-its-kind law banning children and young people under the age of 16 from accessing social networks such as TikTok, Instagram and other platforms. Australia's Senate voted on Thursday in favor of the ban, which sets one of the highest age limits for social media use in the world. Platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram are now required to ensure that no minors under the age of 16 have access to their services. Gaming and messaging services are exempt from this law. This requires the introduction of effective age checks, which must be implemented within a year. Otherwise, the tech companies face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars (around 31 million euros). With this move, Australia aims to better protect children and young people from the negative effects of social media, including mental health risks and cyberbullying.

The criticism didn't take long to arrive. Experts express concerns about whether the technology is effective and data protection compliant. In addition, VPNs could be used to circumvent the rules without the children themselves having to fear legal consequences. Critics argue that the law does not sufficiently take into account the role of social media in young people's lives and its positive aspects. According to recent surveys, a good three quarters of the Australian population support social media bans. The young people affected, on the other hand, fear social isolation if they are cut off from their most important communication channels.

The first thought is always: who should control this and how? But this is exactly where there is a mistake in thinking. We all use artificial intelligence, apps and technical gadgets to make our lives easier or to handle extremely complex tasks. Why do we automatically assume that bans are unenforceable anyway? The answer to problems should not be to simply accept something because it is difficult to monitor. It's true that tech companies make enormous amounts of money by providing platforms for advertising or by using our data. At the same time, however, they have done far too little to protect people from fake news, insults or even criminal offenses. The main reason was often that they did not want to restrict the freedom of users. But the freedom of the individual ends where it endangers others. Australia could send a decisive signal here: platforms like Meta and Co. must finally take responsibility instead of just resting on their billions in profits. It is time for them to not only act in a technically innovative way, but also to act ethically and socially responsibly.

Of course, social networks are used to keep friends, acquaintances or fans from near and far up to date about your own life. However, social media is not just entertainment, it is a significant factor in mental health problems, especially among young people. Various studies show that excessive consumption can exacerbate social and mental challenges. Using social media can lead to information overload, which overwhelms the brain and is linked to depressive symptoms - and not just in children, by the way. Adults feel the pressure too. In addition, unrealistic depictions in social networks reinforce feelings of inferiority and promote social comparisons. Likes and positive comments activate the reward system in the brain, which can lead to addictive behavior in teenagers. These effects are particularly problematic in young people because their brains are still developing. Teenagers and young adults are most affected. The reasons for this include high daily usage – according to the JIM study, young people spend around 3.5 hours per day online – and the search for validation and belonging, which often takes place via social media. Girls in particular are more likely to report negative effects such as dissatisfaction with their own bodies, anxiety and depressive moods. A study in Germany found that 29 percent of young people feel emotionally burdened by social media. Studies also show that young social media users are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, concentration problems and bad moods. Maybe the social media ban isn't such a bad idea after all. At least tech companies are now being held accountable.