YOUTUBE INCLUDED IN AUSTRALIA’S SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

Thu 31 July 2025:

The Australian government has now included YouTube in its groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16. Although previously exempt, that decision has been reversed.

Starting in December, children under 16 will be prohibited from creating accounts on YouTube, in addition to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat.

Young people will still be able to watch YouTube videos, but they will not be allowed to upload content or interact with the platform using personal accounts.

YouTube, owned by Google, argued that the platform provides “benefit and value” to children and should not be classified as a social media platform.

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“NO PLACE FOR ALGORITHMS TARGETING OUR CHILDREN”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the decision, saying: “Social media is harming our kids. Australian parents should know we stand with them.” He noted that while the ban isn’t a complete solution, it would make a meaningful difference.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant had recommended YouTube be included last month, stating that children aged 10–15 most frequently encounter “harmful content” on the platform.

Social media can negatively impact children in several ways. Excessive use often leads to reduced attention spans, as constant notifications and scrolling disrupt focus, with studies showing kids spending 4-6 hours daily on screens.

It can harm mental health, fostering anxiety and depression through cyberbullying or unrealistic body image standards—around 40% of teens report feeling pressured to look perfect online. Social media also disrupts sleep, with blue light exposure and late-night use linked to 60% of adolescents experiencing sleep issues.

It can hinder social skills development, as virtual interactions replace face-to-face communication, leaving 1 in 5 kids struggling with real-world relationships. Additionally, exposure to inappropriate content or predators online poses safety risks, with 30% of kids encountering harmful material. Finally, addictive behaviors emerge, as platforms’ algorithms keep kids hooked, reducing time for studies or hobbies.

Balanced use and parental oversight are crucial to mitigate these effects.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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