Nicole Jameson from Dark Horse Agency joined Doug on Table Talk to unpack the upcoming Australian social media ban targeting young users.

What Is the Social Media Ban?

In 2024, South Australia proposed a national ban on social media use for anyone 16 years old or younger. The federal government quickly supported it.

The ban targets major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Surprisingly, YouTube, once excluded, may now be included.

“They have spent the last couple of years… figuring out how they’re going to enforce and roll out that ban,” Nicole explained.

Why Is YouTube Now Being Considered?

YouTube was originally excluded. It was seen as a video-sharing site, not a social platform.

However, the ASIC commissioner recently suggested its inclusion due to concerns about harmful content.

“YouTube is obviously kicking up quite a stink about it,” Nicole said. “They’re strongly arguing they’re a video distribution company.”

YouTube also claims 86% of Australian teachers use the platform for education, something that could be affected if it’s banned.

The Big Challenge: How Do You Enforce It?

The logistics are murky. How do you verify someone’s age online?

“That is the million-dollar question,” Nicole said.

Authorities are considering facial recognition and government-issued ID. But each comes with issues.

“My 13-year-old could probably pass as ten… My 17-year-old could easily pass as 21,” Nicole shared. “That technology with a developing face is just not sophisticated enough yet.”

The Problem of Workarounds

Even if the ban goes live in December, tech-savvy kids may find ways around it.

“Our kids are so much smarter than us in this realm,” Nicole warned.

She revealed that some children are already chatting inside Google Maps pins, using location-based reviews as covert chat threads.

“There’s lots of platforms out there that don’t really operate as social media, but the kids will work something out.”

A Growing List of Platforms

New apps like Lemon8, created by the makers of TikTok, are already gaining traction. They’re not yet on the government’s radar.

“The kids will move somewhere else,” Nicole emphasised. “We should be focusing on education… and greater content moderation.”

Should Parents Be Worried?

Nicole urges parents to get involved.

“Every chance you get… when you’re driving them to sport, have those conversations,” she advised.

Her top recommendation?

“Get on the social media platforms yourself. Learn what’s being talked about. Learn how they operate.”

She added, “You’re doing yourself a disservice by not educating yourself in that space. Knowledge is power.”

Listen to the full conversation below.