Australian teenagers challenging a new online safety law say the government should focus on removing predators and harmful content from social media—not banning young users altogether.
Under the rule taking effect on 10 December, platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube must block Australians under the age of 16 from creating accounts. The government argues the move protects children from dangerous content and manipulative algorithms.
But two 15-year-olds, Noah Jones and Macy Newland, have taken the case to the High Court with support from the Digital Freedom Project. They argue the ban violates their right to communicate freely and unfairly cuts them off from online communities, educational resources, and political information.
Noah says social media companies shouldn’t spend their money dodging government fines—but should instead invest in removing predators and harmful material. Macy adds that while social media has problems, it also offers huge benefits for learning, connection, and inclusion.
The teens say better digital education, stronger safety tools, and reliable age verification would be more effective than blocking an entire age group.
The government, however, remains firm. Communications Minister Anika Wells told Parliament that legal pressure and pushback from Big Tech would not force them to back down. Although tech companies oppose the rule, polls show most Australian adults support the under-16 ban.
Mental health experts are divided—some warn the ban could isolate young people from friends, while others fear it may push them toward even riskier online spaces.
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