Peak communications consumer body ACCAN has strongly welcomed the Australian Government's decision to extend the social media ban for children under 16 to include YouTube.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said the move is a decisive and empowering step for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in a digital world.
"This decision empowers parents in an online environment where algorithms too often hijack kids' attention," Ms Bennett said.
"YouTube's algorithm is designed to maximise watch time, and we know that four in ten children encounter harmful material on the platform."
"This change will help shield children from content loops that are difficult to break, while still allowing access to useful educational material."
Unlike other platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, YouTube allows users to openly search and view content without needing an account. Ms Bennett says this makes it possible to strike a balanced approach.
"Kids will still be able to access quality content on YouTube without the riskier elements of having an account, like algorithmically curated feeds and engagement with comment threads," Ms Bennett said.
"This is a smart way to reduce harm without cutting off the benefits of educational and creative online content."
ACCAN said the announcement reflects growing community concern about the impacts of social media on young people's mental and social wellbeing.
"Parents have been asking for help, and today's decision delivers on that. It sets clear boundaries that empower families while holding tech platforms to account," Ms Bennett said.
"Australia is showing leadership by taking action, and policymakers and parents overseas are looking to us for inspiration. This is a practical, considered move that many around the world are watching, and that we should be proud of."
About us:
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia's peak communication consumer organisation. The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
