Clarifying Our Position on an Under-16 Social Media Ban

There are many perspectives on the developments in Australia, and we welcome the public debate. We wish to clarify the Breck Foundation’s position on this matter.

As a Foundation, we do not publicly support an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s. We are closely monitoring developments in Australia and are concerned that the policy does not address gaming platforms and other online spaces, which are common avenues for grooming and exploitation. Safeguarding should remain the central focus of any policy, while recognising that technology, including social media and gaming, can be a positive force for learning, creativity, and social connection.

Observing Australia’s Social Media Ban: A Cautious Perspective

Recent developments in Australia regarding proposed restrictions on social media use have sparked global debate across education, safeguarding, and digital policy sectors. At the Breck Foundation, we are closely monitoring these changes with interest, care, and a commitment to learning from international approaches to online safety.

The policy places clear responsibilities on social media platforms to prevent underage use by requiring them to block the creation of new accounts by users under the age of 16 and to remove any existing accounts found to belong to younger users. Companies are also expected to introduce systems to detect and deter minors attempting to access their services. Notably, the measures do not extend to gaming platforms, chat rooms, or other digital spaces, which will continue to be accessible to young people, highlighting a distinction in how different digital environments are being regulated.

Australia’s decision to explore a social media ban reflects a growing concern shared by governments worldwide: how to better protect children and young adults in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The intention to reduce harm, limit exploitation, and improve wellbeing is one we fully support. Safeguarding must always remain at the heart of every policy discussion.

At the same time, technology and gaming can be powerful forces for good. They support education, creativity, social connection, and skill development, and we strongly believe in embracing these opportunities. The Breck Foundation is pro-technology and pro-gaming, and we work to ensure that young people can enjoy digital spaces safely while benefiting from the positive potential of tech.

Any wide-reaching restrictions on technology present both potential benefits and significant challenges. Questions around enforcement, digital rights, access to information, and unintended consequences are all important considerations that will only become clearer with time.

Rather than rushing to judgment, The Breck Foundation believes this moment calls for careful observation, evidence-based evaluation, and open dialogue. Australia’s approach may offer valuable insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what can be improved when it comes to protecting young people online.

As this policy unfolds, we will continue to assess its impact, listen to expert voices, and engage with the wider safeguarding community. For now, we watch, we learn, and we remain committed to our mission of making the digital world safer for all.