Australia Implements Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s Following Mother's Advocacy After Son's Suicide

Mia Bannister carries a permanent tribute to her teenage son Ollie on her skin - a tattooed eulogy that tells the story of her devastating loss. After Ollie's suicide following struggles with anorexia and online bullying, she channeled her grief into advocating for groundbreaking legislation in Australia.

From December 10, Australia will implement unprecedented laws banning under-16s from accessing social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok. Companies that fail to prevent children from using their platforms could face substantial penalties up to $32 million.

Mia believes these regulations could have saved her son's life had they existed earlier. "He was my best friend," she shared with AFP, gazing at her tattoo depicting a mother holding a cracked red heart. "He was my world."

Ollie experienced online harassment while platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube fed him content that exacerbated his eating disorder. Mia vividly remembers his red curly hair, quick wit, and the sparkle in his eyes that diminished as his condition worsened.

When Ollie initially began struggling, he sought refuge in social media. Mia admits she wasn't fully aware of its potential impact. "I was a single parent, working full time, trying to keep a roof over our heads, not really understanding either what platforms he's on and how they work," she explained.

She places responsibility squarely on social media companies: "It is their platforms and the unfiltered, unchecked content." When parents provide children with phones, Mia cautions, "we hand them the greatest weapon we could hand them."

Research by Mission Australia reveals approximately 97 percent of surveyed teenagers use social media daily, with nearly half spending three or more hours online. Those using social media less than three hours reported better well-being and social connections according to the poll of over ten thousand respondents aged 15-19.

The Australian government aims to transform children's online behaviors rather than completely restricting internet access. However, significant questions remain about enforcement methods, particularly regarding age verification procedures.

Technology companies have criticized the legislation as insufficiently detailed. Currently, ten platforms will be exempt from the ban - including Discord, Pinterest, Roblox, LEGO Play, and WhatsApp - though Australian authorities maintain the right to enforce compliance from all platforms.

Some experts have concerns about the approach. Catherine Page Jeffery, a Media and Communications lecturer at the University of Sydney, told AFP: "I don't think that this is the right approach to online safety. We know blanket bans don't often work." She warned that children might seek out riskier online environments instead.

"Rather than banning young people, I would prefer to see greater safety obligations placed on platforms - and we are beginning to see more of this," she added. "A lot of these platforms, and even the internet more broadly, have not been built for children."

For many young people, social media serves as a vital tool for identity formation and skill development. Twelve-year-old Ava Chanel Jones uses Instagram to document her cheerleading, dancing, modeling, and brand partnerships - activities that began during the pandemic with her mother Zoe's guidance.

Ava has amassed over 11,400 followers, generating monthly income from Meta, free products from brands, and even launching her own clothing line. She uses the platform to connect with friends but avoids interacting with strangers - those messages go into a monitored folder that her mother reviews.

"I'm her parent - it's my responsibility to protect her the best that I can when she's on social media," Zoe explained. "I am proud of her. I think it's giving her skills."

After December 10, Ava may lose access to her account, though platforms may offer different arrangements for managing influencer accounts. Zoe has adjusted some account settings hoping to maintain it, but like many parents, she's uncertain about the legislation's implementation and monitoring procedures.

She worries that the ban eliminates opportunities for children to discover new interests and passions. While Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant firmly believes age restrictions represent a "really potent solution" to combat online harm, she acknowledges there's no simple answer.

Grieving mother Mia misses Ollie every day. She transforms her grief into purpose by sharing his story through her charity, which raises awareness about eating disorders in boys and educates about the new social media legislation.

"I do it for him, and I do it for all the other children out there: the lost children and the ones that we're all going to save," she said.