Australia Launches Campaign for Social Media Ban to Protect Children

Post by : Saif Ali Khan

 Australia has begun a major advertising campaign to explain its world-first social media ban for teenagers, which will start in December. The government says the ban is “for the good of our kids”, aiming to protect children under 16 from online risks.

Campaign Details

The A$14 million ($9 million) campaign, called “For The Good Of”, will appear on television, billboards, and social media starting this Sunday, according to Communications Minister Anika Wells. The campaign encourages parents to talk with their children about the upcoming changes.

A 45-second video shows children absorbed in their phones, while a voiceover says:
"For the good of Kirsty, for the good of Lucy and Anya, for the good of Sam, for the good of Holly, for the good of Noah, for the good of their wellbeing."

It adds that from December 10, children under 16 will no longer have access to social media accounts, as part of a new law designed to keep young teens safer online.

Why the Ban

The law, passed in November 2024, raises the minimum age to use social media from 13 to 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his centre-left government said research shows social media over-use can harm young teens, contributing to:

• Bullying
• Misinformation
• Harmful body image ideas

Australia’s approach is being closely watched by governments worldwide, as it is the first law of its kind.

Social Media Platforms Push Back

Major social media companies have expressed concerns about enforcement. During a recent parliamentary hearing, YouTube said the law could have “unintended consequences” and be “extremely difficult to enforce”. The platform also signaled potential legal action against the ban.

Minister Wells said she plans to meet this week with Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat to ensure they follow the government’s law and enforce the age restrictions.

Public Reaction

The campaign focuses on raising awareness among parents and children. Many experts believe that teenagers spend too much time online, which can affect their mental health, school performance, and social skills.

While some parents welcome the move as protective and necessary, others worry it could be hard to enforce or that teens might find ways around the rules.

The government maintains that the law is aimed at improving the safety and wellbeing of children, and sees it as an important step to reduce online harm for young Australians.

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