Published by the QUT Digital Media Research Centre

Explainer paper – Demystifying Australia’s social media ban

An explainer on Australia’s social media ban for teens

Written by Aleesha Rodriguez, Michael Dezuanni, Elizabeth Heck. Published by the QUT Digital Media Research Centre. 

This explainer provides an overview of the complex issue of social media bans for young teens, by providing the background and context surrounding calls for such restrictions. It explains the technical challenges of implementing a ban, the potential risks associated with it, and the specific concerns voiced by parents and carers.

By exploring the everyday realities of young people growing up in a digital age and acknowledging the positive aspects of social media for this age group, this explainer aims to provide a balanced overview. Finally, it offers potential solutions and strategies for navigating the challenges and fostering a safe and positive online experience for young teens. Links to further reading and resources are also provided.

Read the paper