Australia’s unprecedented social media ban for individuals under 16, enacted in December, has sparked a complex debate regarding its impact on the nation’s diverse youth. While proponents highlight crucial protections against online harms, multicultural communities express significant concerns about its potential to sever vital connections with overseas family and friends. This pioneering legislation aims to safeguard minors but presents unique challenges for young people maintaining global ties.
Fourteen-year-old Ilia Kyrychenko, who fled Ukraine with his mother following Russia’s invasion, exemplifies this dichotomy. Having arrived in Sydney at age ten, Ilia, like many peers, previously relied on platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat to stay connected with friends both locally and in his war-torn homeland. The ban prompted him to delete his accounts, a decision he initially described as a relief, providing much-needed respite from constant online exposure.
Despite the initial welcome, the ban has introduced significant communication hurdles for Ilia. His friends in Ukraine predominantly use the now-restricted platforms, making direct contact difficult. He now navigates these challenges by utilising alternative messaging applications like WhatsApp and Viber, stressing the importance of these tools for maintaining relationships beyond Australia’s borders.
The federal government champions these world-first laws as essential for shielding children from a myriad of online dangers. These include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate or dangerous content, and the psychological toll of distressing material. For vulnerable teenagers like Ilia, this protection extends to preventing exposure to traumatic footage related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which can exacerbate existing anxieties.
Social worker Galiya Faskhutdinova, who assists Ukrainian diaspora children in Sydney, strongly supports the ban from a trauma-informed perspective. Having also been displaced by the war, Ms. Faskhutdinova observes the daily impact of disturbing war imagery on adults and underscores its overwhelming effect on children. She argues that social media can inadvertently create new traumas or deepen existing ones for young people who have experienced conflict.
Conversely, organisations such as the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) voice strong reservations, particularly concerning culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) teenagers. MYAN chair Carmel Guerra acknowledges the ban’s good intentions but warns it risks “severing” crucial connections. She asserts that social media platforms function as a “lifeline,” not a luxury, for these young people to communicate, find belonging, and maintain ties with their global communities and families.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, addresses these concerns by highlighting the availability of numerous alternative platforms and resources. She emphasises that children can effectively maintain overseas connections through tools like FaceTime and various messaging applications. The eSafety Commissioner’s office has also provided multilingual guides to assist CALD communities in adapting to the new legislation.
The nationwide implementation of the ban has elicited varied responses from parents, with some welcoming the protective measures while others report increased family conflict over digital access. This ongoing adaptation underscores the intricate balance Australia seeks to strike between safeguarding its youth from online harms and preserving their essential social and cultural connections in an increasingly globalised world. The long-term implications of this pioneering legislation continue to unfold.
