Australia's landmark social media ban for children under the age of 16 has resulted in the removal of more than 4.7 million accounts, but concrete evidence proving its effectiveness remains elusive. As the UK government considers similar measures, experts caution that the true impact on youth wellbeing will take years to measure.
Early Claims and Anecdotal Feedback
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pointed to three early indicators to suggest the policy is working. He cited positive feedback from parents, approval from some older teenagers who wish the rules had existed when they were younger, and the fact other nations are now looking to replicate the Australian model. "It is something that is a source of Australian pride," Albanese stated.
However, these claims are largely anecdotal. The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has said he is watching the "Australian experiment" with interest, highlighting the international scrutiny the policy faces.
The Compliance Gap and Bypass Tactics
While major platforms have complied, leading to the mass account removal, significant challenges persist. The Australian eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, noted the number of accounts taken offline was potentially lower than anticipated.
Widespread reports indicate that many teenagers have successfully circumvented the age-assurance checks. Methods include simply altering birth dates on existing accounts or tricking facial age estimation tools. A survey by mental health organisation Headspace found that one in three Australian teens would seek ways to get around the ban, and online forums are rife with guides on how to bypass it.
Inman Grant acknowledged that some age-checking methods need refinement and vowed to question platforms on their calibration to avoid false positives. She also highlighted the ongoing battle to prevent teens from creating new accounts or using VPNs to regain access.
The Long Road to Tangible Evidence
The core aim of the ban is to improve mental health outcomes for young people, a goal that cannot be measured in weeks. The first independent evaluation is due in February, which will include research with parents and young people on their experiences. Truly assessing the policy's success will require tracking mental health data, academic performance, and other long-term metrics over months and years.
Albanese conceded the initial transition has been difficult for some, linking the policy to a $700m mental health funding package aimed at supporting struggling youth. The current Australian summer holidays also mean meaningful data on how teens are adapting offline is not yet available.
A Cautious Path Forward
The experiment places Australia at the forefront of a global debate on child online safety. For now, the removal of 4.7 million accounts represents a significant enforcement action, but it is not definitive proof of success. As Commissioner Inman Grant stated, "The real impacts will not be measured just in days and weeks, but actually in terms of years."
This timeline suggests that governments, including the UK's, should proceed with caution before implementing similar widespread bans, awaiting hard evidence on whether the benefits to teen wellbeing justify the substantial regulatory intervention.
