The social media bans have been passed. Now what?

Whether I, you, the cybersecurity community, kids' mental health groups, kids' rights, kids themselves or any other body of experts like it, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 is now law in Australia.

Everyone who follows me knows my position on the social media bans, so you can imagine how angry and disappointed I was to read that they had passed. 

This part of today's official Media Release raised my blood pressure and launched me into attack mode. 

“The bill has been designed following extensive consultation with young Australians, parents, experts, industry, community organisations and National Cabinet, and builds on broader efforts by the Government to hold platforms to account for ensuring the safety of their users.”

This is a bold-faced stretching of the truth if I ever saw one.

The passing of this bill will launch the conversation amongst parents, carers, and kids, with no clarity on what comes next. They will be asking questions that no one has the answer to. Our kids will be confused and probably getting ready to continue using social media despite the ban.

Rather than continue down the road of dismay, outrage, and frustration, here are some answers to your questions and advice.

Everyone is asking:

What social media platforms are included in the legislation? 

There is no definitive list. The legislation states that “it includes Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X and others.” 

What are the others? I don’t know. 

The legislation also states that some services are excluded and doesn’t name them.

How are they going to verify the age of the user?

The platforms will be responsible for creating an age verification process and have 12 months to do so. The legislation lacks details on how this will work.

Will these bans keep kids under 16 off social media?

In short, no. There are too many ways to circumvent the bans, and they are not secret or available only to highly trained experts. 

What about gaming platforms, specifically Minecraft?

It seems that gaming platforms are excluded; however, this is not confirmed.

Parents and carers are asking:

I understand that social media has its positives and negatives. Does one outweigh the other?

This is a common question. 

People online are like people offline. There are good people and bad people everywhere. When you venture online, the difference is that it’s global, and it is difficult, sometimes impossible, to know who you are talking to. 

Social media is an amplified schoolyard. Where there might be two or three bullies in a school, there are millions online. Most kids in the schoolyard are having a great time doing what they do, and most online people do the same.

There is no doubt that the issues of online bullying must be addressed, and those who are bullying need to be held accountable. One young person deciding to end their life because of online bullies is one too many.

Banning things didn’t work when I was a kid; I found a way around it. What will our kids do to circumvent these bans?

There is freely available information on the internet with details of how to work around every online restriction.

My kids are under 16 and use social media. I don’t want to take it away from them. What do I do?

You know your kids, and if they are not experiencing the negative side of social media, then it’s your decision as their parent. If your kids turn 16 in the next 12 months, the bans won't affect them. 

Regardless of your kids' age, I encourage you to sit down with them and find out what social media they use and why they use it. Remember that engaging with their friends and communities on social media is a big part of their lives.

Go online together and show them the available resources if they need them (list below). 

Get together with the parents of your kids friends and talk about social media. You will all have the same experience your kids are having. 

Take a breath. Being a parent in the digital age is not easy. I know. My son is nearly 19, and social media, gaming, and the online world are a significant part of his life. These conversations are sometimes a daily occurrence. 

What are the penalties if my kids under 16 do use social media?

There is no civil penalty for parents or other people who provide access to children under 16.

Kids are asking:

I need social media. It’s a big part of my life and the only way I can be with my community. What would happen to me if I continued to use social media and was under 16? Can I be arrested?

Nothing can happen for the next 12 months. Continue doing what you are doing. And even after the 12 months, you will be ok.

I encourage you to discuss this issue with your parents and carers. Tell them what social media apps you use and why. Be open with them about the negative side of social media if you have experienced it.

Ensure you know about all the resources available if you need them (list below). 

Where can I go if I don’t want to talk to my parents about this?

You could talk to the parent(s) of one of your friends, a teacher at school, or anyone in your community who you trust.

You can also refer to the online resources below to help and support you online.

What’s next?

It’s time to provide ongoing help and support to parents, carers and kids through awareness and education. 

I won’t wait for the government to catch up with this approach. Maybe one day they will; until then, it falls on us.

I call upon all the experts, industry, and community organisations to regroup and do our best to support parents, carers, and kids in navigating this legislation while continuing our pressure on the government to do more and do better. 

Where to go for help:

• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au 

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au 

• Headspace: 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au

• https://www.esafety.gov.au/

• https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/  
  
  

All the relevant links for you:

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/social-media-reforms-protect-our-kids-online-pass-parliament 

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd2425/25bd39

https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr7284%22 

Jacqueline Jayne

Security Influencer | Human Risk Management Expert | Online Safety Specialist

Jacqueline Jayne, a.k.a. JJ, is a standout in the cybersecurity landscape with an innate talent for simplifying the complex. With over two decades in the fields of education, tech, communications and strategy, she's transformed cybersecurity awareness in her professional roles, making it engaging and understandable for all.

JJ's approach is about sparking curiosity, asking questions, and inspiring alternative thinking. She's not just about the tech; she's about connecting with people and sharing stories that resonate. 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinejayne 

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Website www.jacquelinejayne.com.au