A recent survey has uncovered that a significant majority of Australian children aged 12 to 15 continue to access social media platforms, despite a nationwide ban for under-16s. The study, conducted by the Molly Rose Foundation, indicates that approximately two-thirds of these young users are still active on restricted sites, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of age-restriction measures.
Survey Findings on Underage Access
The survey revealed that around 70 per cent of children in this age group found it 'easy' to circumvent the age verification systems put in place by social media companies. Furthermore, over half of the respondents stated that the ban had made no discernible difference to their online safety, casting further doubt on the policy's efficacy. These findings suggest that existing measures are failing to deter underage users or protect them from potential harms.
Platform Accountability Questioned
The Molly Rose Foundation has criticised social media platforms for their inability to detect and remove underage accounts effectively. The organisation warns that implementing a similar ban in the United Kingdom would be a 'high-stakes gamble' with uncertain outcomes. Instead of relying solely on age restrictions, the foundation advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks that target the business models of social media companies, which often prioritise profit over user safety.
Call for Regulatory Reform
The report emphasises the need for systemic changes to how social media platforms operate, rather than superficial bans that are easily bypassed. By addressing the underlying incentives that drive harmful design choices, regulators could create a safer online environment for all users, particularly minors. The foundation's findings serve as a cautionary tale for policymakers considering similar age-based restrictions in other countries.
