Should South Africa follow Australia’s lead in banning social media?

Australia recently made waves globally by implementing the strictest social media laws, banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This has raised the question of whether South Africa should follow Australia’s lead and implement a similar social media ban, as we are facing similar problems stemming from social media.

Mixed reactions to Australia’s social media ban

The Australian government approved a ban preventing under-16s from using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook in November 2024. The law aims to protect young people from the mental health risks of social media. This includes cyberbullying, addiction, and exposure to harmful content.

This controversial legislation, hailed by some as a necessary step, has sparked debates over privacy, enforcement, and its broader impact, according to BBC.

While supporters argue the law is a critical step in protecting children, critics highlight challenges in implementation and enforcement. Concerns include age verification, data privacy, and the potential for symbolic rather than effective regulation.

Markedly, Australia’s social media ban has opened up a global conversation about the responsibilities of governments, tech companies, and society at large in protecting children online. While many countries are reluctant to consider enacting such a law, a valuable debate has started around online safety and the youth.

Social media safety challenges in South Africa

Gauteng News reported that Dean McCoubrey, founder of MySociaLife, described the ban as a necessary wake-up call for nations grappling with digital safety. He emphasised the importance of education over outright restrictions. ‘The legislation underscores the failure of education systems to prepare children for a digital world,’ he stated.

A study by UNICEF revealed that over 70% of South African teens use social media daily. Many of them are exposed to harmful content. A concern is that South Africa lacks widespread education initiatives on online safety and media literacy.

Is the ban practical?

Enforcing a law such as Australia’s social media ban is challenging. Implementing an age restriction would require significant investment in technology and policy frameworks to ensure compliance.

Furthermore, it will require introducing media literacy and online safety into school curriculums. Also, tech companies will have to be held accountable for child protection measures.

Essentially, in order for the desired outcome of such a ban to materialise, various cogs will have to work together in the machine, such as the involvement and buy-in from parents and educators. This raises the question of whether it is truly a practical solution.