Last week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a sweeping ban on under-16s accessing social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Facebook by 2027. The move has been nicknamed an 'Australia plus' ban, after Australia became the first country to introduce a nation-wide ban on children accessing these apps at the end of last year.
How Is Australia's Ban Working?
Political correspondent Aletha Adu teamed up with Guardian Australia social media host and reporter Matilda Boseley to find out how the ban is going in Australia. According to Boseley, the Australian ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some parents report a reduction in screen time and cyberbullying, while critics point to enforcement difficulties and concerns about freedom of expression.
Early Results and Challenges
Early data from Australia suggests a 20% drop in social media usage among under-16s in the first three months. However, a survey by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that 40% of teenagers still found ways to access banned platforms using virtual private networks (VPNs) or through friends' accounts. The Australian government has pledged to strengthen enforcement measures.
UK's 'Australia Plus' Approach
The UK's ban is expected to go further, with stricter age verification requirements and harsher penalties for platforms that fail to comply. Starmer stated, "We are determined to protect our children from the harms of social media. The 'Australia plus' model will build on their experience to create a safer online environment."
Criticism and Support
While children's charities have welcomed the move, digital rights groups have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for over-blocking. The ban is set to be debated in Parliament later this year.
