As Australia prepares to enforce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 from December 10, Monash University experts say the policy, described as a child-safety measure, may produce consequences far more complicated than the government has acknowledged.
Across sociology, psychology, education, law and technology, researchers agree on one point: the ban may be well-intentioned, but the realities of how young people use digital platforms suggest its impact could be uneven, disruptive and, for some, harmful.
Social Media Ban: A Push Into the Shadows
Associate Professor Brady Robards, a sociologist who studies youth and digital culture, says the ban risks pushing young people into less regulated online spaces while closing off crucial channels for support and connection.
“Marginalised young people – those in rural areas, with disabilities, or LGBTQIA+ – often rely on social media for belonging,” he notes. He also points to limited consultation with young people themselves and argues that more nuanced platform governance is needed, not blunt exclusion.
Parents on the Front Line
For parents, the transition may be emotionally charged. Professor Marie Yap, a psychologist and parenting expert, warns that many children will experience anxiety or grief as platforms they depend on for self-expression and connection suddenly become off-limits.
She urges parents to approach conversations with empathy and preparation: “Before even raising the topic, do your research,” she says, recommending the eSafety Commissioner as a starting point. Tone matters, too—judgement or forcefulness may drive young people to hide their online experiences at a time when openness is essential.
For some families, she adds, this may be the first real conversation about online life. “Pause before reacting. You don’t want to shut that door.”
Queer Youth at Higher Risk of Isolation
Legal scholar Professor Paula Gerber raises concern about what the ban means for LGBTQIA+ youth, who disproportionately turn to online spaces for mental health support, identity exploration and community.
“Almost three-quarters of young trans Australians say social media makes them feel better about themselves,” she says. Cutting off those lifelines especially in rural or unsupportive environments may deepen isolation and remove access to affirming communities.
Gerber also warns that the ban may conflict with children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including freedom of expression and access to information.
‘Forbidden Fruit’ and the Limits of Prohibition
Associate Professor Eric Windholz, from the Faculty of Law, describes the ban as “a new high-water mark in the state’s paternalism,” noting the irony that while the government suggests parents cannot manage digital use, the ban ultimately relies on parental enforcement.
He predicts a classic “forbidden fruit” effect: many children will seek ways around the restrictions, creating opportunities for malicious actors. “Prohibition has a poor track record,” he cautions.
Banning Isn’t Teaching
From the Faculty of Education, Dr Clare Southerton stresses that bans don’t equip young people with the digital literacy they need to stay safe. Without evidence that bans reduce online harm, she argues, Australia risks delaying children’s ability to learn critical digital skills.
“Talk to your children,” she says. “Build trust so they come to you when something goes wrong.” And she urges parents to take seriously the emotional impact of losing digital social spaces, which for many have replaced the freedoms previous generations experienced offline.
A Call for Industry Accountability
Professor Jon Rouse, of the AiLECS Lab and a former senior law-enforcement leader, welcomes the shift in responsibility from families to tech platforms—but says this moment must mark more than just restricting access.
For years, he argues, tech companies were warned about the harms unfolding on their platforms but responded “piecemeal and reactively.” He sees the new laws as a necessary correction to an industry that prioritised growth over safety.
“The legacy of December 10 should be measurable improvements in children’s mental health and safety,” he says, “not simply that they were kept off certain platforms.”
What Parents Can Do
1. Do Your Homework First
- Research the ban and its implications.
- Use credible sources like the Australian eSafety Commissioner to understand the rules and potential impacts.
2. Start Conversations With Empathy
- Approach discussions without judgement or force.
- Validate your child’s feelings—anger, anxiety, or grief are natural reactions.
3. Focus on Connection, Not Control
- Encourage safe digital habits instead of simply restricting access.
- Ask open-ended questions about their online experiences and friendships.
4. Watch for Influences
- Recognise that friends, influencers, and public figures shape opinions.
- Use that insight to guide thoughtful, non-confrontational discussions.
5. Build Digital Resilience
- Teach children critical thinking about online content, privacy, and interactions.
- Model healthy social media use yourself.
6. Keep Offline Support Strong
- Maintain safe spaces for your child to express themselves.
- Offer alternatives for social connection if online access is restricted.