Intro and insight into the blocked platforms
Hey, its Ellyn H. Today, I’m starting a new series, a social studies debate project, turned into an informative article. In the debate world, there are two sides to an argument, an Affirmative (AFF) case and a Negative (NEG) case. Today, we will be exploring the negative side of the resolution that states the social media ban in Australia is positive. Hopefully at the end, you have understood the negative side of the ban being positive, and can choose which side you agree with. Enjoy!
On December 10, 2025, the Australian government blocked young teenagers under the age of 16 from socials. This is the world’s first age restrictions for social media. Don’t think about it as a complete ban, but a delay of having accounts until after 16, preventing youth from from opening or holding accounts when younger than 16. As of December 2025, the blocked and targeted social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, X, Twitch, Kick, Threads.
Why keep social media around for under-16s?
Some people who criticize the ban claim social media helps people develop new connections and maintain old connections, so the connections that people had are now gone. However:
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- One YouGov poll found that 77% of Australians supported the law at the time of its passage
- The survey states that 61% observed 2 in 4 positive effects
- 43% noticed more in person social interactions
- 38% said their children were more present and engaged during social interactions
- 38% reported more involvement in parent-child relationships
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- 56% agreed that stricter regulations and age enforcements would improve its effectiveness
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- 38% reported more involvement in parent-child relationships
- One YouGov poll found that 77% of Australians supported the law at the time of its passage
BUT 27% noted a shift to alternative or less regulated platforms. Some of these results proved that it had a positive effect, but all the online connections that people with social anxiety have formed on these platforms, and they might feel lonely or lost without those connections. AND 27% of the under-16s shifted to alternative or less regulated platforms. Notice how the ban wasn’t very effective for the 27%, they just found a workaround, and continued to use social media.
Prime Minister sheds light on to the ban
Prime Minister Anthony Ablanese stated: “We know that social media can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers. And worst of all, a tool for online predators.”
Conclusion
Some points to think about: Imagine your world without social media…Would you be glad? Would you enjoy the ban? OR would you lose your friends and connections without the platforms? Would your world change for the better? OR for worse? My hope is that you now know at least something about the ban, and maybe a little about the negative side of the ban.
Thanks for reading!