Australia's ban on Social Media for Children, is this a good or bad thing to do?
Details
• What happened? On December 10, 2025, Australia became the first country to enforce a blanket ban on social media for anyone under 16. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, and Facebook must delete underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million.
• Why? The government argues that social media design features exploit children’s psychology, encouraging excessive use and exposing them to harmful content.
• Reactions: Parents and child-safety advocates are supportive, while tech companies, privacy groups, and some teens argue it’s too blunt an instrument.
The ban is symbolically powerful and could spark healthier norms, but practically fragile without strong enforcement and complementary education. A more nuanced approach—like stricter age verification, parental controls, and digital literacy programs—might balance safety with freedom better than an outright ban.
You can join our Humanists Online Vancouver/Humanist Canada Zoom meeting at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3546290665?pwd=NTFsNVJJTVJ1ajR4cTJrck4wWnNGQT09
Meeting ID: 354 629 0665
**It MAY prompt you to enter the Passcode:**humanist
MEMBERS VOTE TOPICS EACH SUNDAY
ANNOUNCEMENT
The TOPIC getting the most votes, above or below 50%, will be considered the number one choice to be discussed.
Same with numbers two and three.
In the choice of the number of topics to be discussed on that day,
the choice receiving the most votes, above or below 50%, will be considered the number one choice.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these topics and this group are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
official policy or position of Humanists Online Vancouver (HOV)/Humanist Canada.