Australia’s proposed social media ban has sparked fears of increased isolation among teenagers, particularly for vulnerable groups. For 14-year-old Tereza Hussein, a refugee living in Darwin, the potential ban threatens her only connection to her grandmother, whom she has never met in person. “It’s the only way I’ve ever connected to my grandma before, over socials,” Hussein said, reflecting on her life journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to a refugee camp in Malawi before settling in Australia at age nine. “It’s going to have a very big change in my life because it’s going to be hard for me to talk to the people that I’ve left behind.”
While Hussein seldom posts on social media, she relies on platforms like Meta‘s Instagram and Snapchat to view and discuss family photos and videos. Her situation highlights a potential oversight in the Australian government’s plan to implement an age minimum for social media usage in response to rising concerns about bullying, grooming, and mental health issues.
Experts warn that restricting access could particularly impact teenagers from migrant, LGBTQIA+, and other minority backgrounds, cutting off vital social support networks. A recent survey indicated that 97% of Australian teenagers use social media, averaging four platforms each, making them some of the most connected youth globally. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of parents expressed worries about their children’s social media habits, according to a 2024 ReachOut survey.
As the government aims to tackle social media addiction, the details of the ban remain unclear, including which age groups and platforms would be affected. The initial step involves a trial of age verification. However, youth advocates argue that rather than restricting access, tech companies should enhance their enforcement of safe interactions online to protect vulnerable youth while preserving their social connections.
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