Australia bans YouTube for children under 16, joining TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat in age limits
Under the new rule, minors can still watch YouTube videos without an account but will lose features like personalised recommendations, posting content, and commenting. The move is aimed at protecting young Australians from online harm, cyberbullying and mental health issues linked to excessive social media use, setting an example for stricter global digital safety standards.
Australian government acts to safeguard children under 16 from online harm
As reported by Euronews, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised that the government is prioritizing children's safety and mental well-being in the digital era. He stated:
'We know that social media is doing social harm. My government and this parliament are ready to take action to protect young Australians.' This move follows mounting evidence that unrestricted access to online platforms can lead to issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to explicit content, online grooming, and excessive screen time that impacts mental health.
YouTube's widespread use among children prompts safety concerns
For years, YouTube was treated differently from other social platforms because it primarily serves as a video streaming service rather than a social networking site. However, its widespread use among children and the presence of harmful content prompted authorities to reconsider.
According to the eSafety Commissioner, three out of four Australian children aged 10–15 regularly use YouTube, making it more popular than TikTok and Instagram. Alarmingly, 37% of children who reported exposure to harmful online content said they encountered it on YouTube.
The commissioner concluded that providing YouTube with an exemption was inconsistent with the goal of protecting minors, leading to its inclusion in the ban. Children under 16 will still be able to view videos without an account but will lose access to personalised recommendations, commenting, and content creation features.
Public support for age restrictions
A survey conducted last month involving nearly 4,000 Australians revealed that nine in ten people support some form of 'age assurance' for social media platforms. This widespread public backing reflects growing societal concerns about protecting children's mental health, limiting their exposure to inappropriate content, and reducing online exploitation risks. Australia's decision is among the strictest social media regulations in the world, potentially influencing other countries to adopt similar measures. It also raises questions about digital freedoms, parental responsibility, and how tech companies will adapt to stricter compliance standards.
While critics argue such bans might limit digital learning and social connectivity, supporters believe strong guardrails are necessary in a digital environment dominated by algorithms designed to maximise engagement, often at the expense of young users' well-being.
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