Australian attempts to restrict under-16s' access to social media have been deemed ineffective by UK experts, who warn that a blanket ban will not adequately protect children. Research published in the BMJ reveals that young people are finding ways around the restrictions.
Professor Alan Woodward of the University of Surrey comments on the study's findings, saying they appear scientifically sound and consistent with other Australian research. He highlights that a simple ban is failing, as children primarily use fake accounts and 'private browsers' to circumvent the restrictions – which could potentially include tools like Tor, exposing them to dangerous content.
Professor Woodward hopes governments will carefully consider this evidence, urging policymakers not to rely solely on sentiment when creating policy. He argues that simplistic fixes are destined to fail, stating that policies must be based on solid research and address specific causes of harm to children online.
Professor Dennis Ougrin from Queen Mary University of London cautions against drawing definitive conclusions due to the study's limitations. However, he acknowledges the importance of understanding implementation challenges – particularly regarding age verification and circumvention – which may limit the immediate impact of age-based restrictions.
Both experts agree that while it is too early to conclude the Australian policy has failed, the findings offer valuable insights into the need for more comprehensive evaluations and a nuanced approach to online safety. This could involve policing platforms and their algorithms or modifying social media behaviour for different age groups.