A seismic shift in the digital landscape occurred today as Australia enacted the world’s first law mandating social media platforms to block users under the age of 16. As the clock struck 1pm GMT, a new era of online protection began, raising urgent questions about whether the United Kingdom will follow suit.
The legislation impacts major platforms – Snapchat, TikTok, X, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Kick, and Twitch – legally requiring them to verify ages and deny access to younger users. While the law is now in effect, doubts linger regarding its enforceability, with reports surfacing of children circumventing restrictions using simple methods like displaying photos to bypass facial recognition.
Across the UK, a growing chorus of concern echoes the Australian move. A recent study by the Centre for Social Justice revealed a startling statistic: over 800,000 British children under five are already actively using social media. This finding has ignited a debate about the vulnerability of very young children to the potential harms of these platforms.
Lord Nash, a former education minister, described the study’s results as “deeply alarming,” advocating for a comprehensive public health campaign to educate parents and legislation to raise the age limit to 16. He stressed the need to hold tech companies accountable for preventing underage access.
The call for action is powerfully amplified by personal tragedy. Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, has publicly urged the UK to adopt similar legislation. She highlighted the dangers of platforms exposing young people to harmful content, such as self-harm and eating disorder resources, which she believes contributed to her daughter’s vulnerability.
Public opinion overwhelmingly supports stricter regulations. A recent YouGov survey found that 74% of Britons favor blocking under-16s from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with only 19% opposing the measure. This widespread support underscores the growing anxiety surrounding the impact of social media on youth.
The UK has already taken initial steps with the Online Safety Act, implementing age verification on platforms like X. However, Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, argues the Act is “failing the British people.” She believes a more robust and responsive online safety regime is crucial.
Dame Chi’s committee is launching a new inquiry into digital childhoods in the new year, aiming to explore these issues in greater depth. Concerns have been raised that overly restrictive measures could hinder children’s ability to adapt to the digital world, but the committee is determined to find a balance between protection and access.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the need for caution, emphasizing the importance of protecting children while allowing them to benefit from the digital world. They confirmed they are closely monitoring Australia’s approach, stating that “nothing is off the table” when it comes to children’s safety, but any action must be evidence-based.
