Last week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a sweeping ban on under-16s accessing social media apps including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook by 2027. The move has been nicknamed an ‘Australia plus’ ban, after Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide ban on children accessing these apps at the end of last year.
How is Australia's ban working?
Political correspondent Aletha Adu teamed up with Guardian Australia social media host and reporter Matilda Boseley to find out how the ban is actually going in Australia. Boseley reported that the ban has faced significant implementation challenges, including technical difficulties in age verification and concerns about privacy and effectiveness.
Key challenges identified
One of the main issues is the lack of a foolproof age verification system. According to Boseley, many children have found ways to bypass the ban using VPNs or by lying about their age. Additionally, there are concerns that the ban may drive children to less regulated platforms. The Australian government has acknowledged these challenges and is working on refining the approach.
Impact on children and families
Parents and advocacy groups have expressed mixed reactions. Some support the ban as a way to protect children from harmful content, while others worry about restricting access to educational resources and social connections. Boseley noted that the ban has sparked a broader conversation about digital literacy and the role of parents in monitoring online activity.
Lessons for the UK
The UK's ‘Australia plus’ approach aims to learn from these challenges. Starmer's government plans to introduce stricter age verification measures and work closely with tech companies to ensure compliance. However, critics argue that a blanket ban may not be the most effective solution and that education and parental controls should be prioritised.
What happens next?
The UK government is expected to publish a detailed policy paper later this year, outlining the specific measures and timeline for the ban. Meanwhile, Australia continues to evaluate its own ban, with a review scheduled for 2026. The outcome of these efforts will likely influence global debates on children's online safety.
