Australia’s recent policy restricting social media access for individuals under the age of 16 has generated widespread global debate. While the government presents the move as a protective measure to shield young people from online risks, critics argue that it may limit learning, creativity, and digital inclusion. To reflect a broad spectrum of public sentiment, this report compiles viewpoints from adults, young adults, and teenagers across different educational and social backgrounds.
IN this report Edutimes Africa Intern,Teniola Waheed reports through opinion sampling.
The policy, introduced amid growing concerns about cyberbullying, online exploitation, and mental health challenges among minors, is aimed at reducing young people’s exposure to harmful online content. However, opinions remain divided on whether an outright restriction is the most effective solution in an increasingly digital world.
For some young people, the ban is seen as a positive step. Teniola, a 400-level student at Covenant University, believes early exposure to the internet can negatively shape children’s behaviour. Reflecting on her upbringing, she said limited access to the internet during her childhood helped shape her lifestyle and values, noting a clear contrast between herself and peers who were exposed to social media at a much younger age.
A similar view is shared by Dr. Ugochukwu D. Abasilim, Sub-Dean of Postgraduate Students at Covenant University, who supports the policy from a community and developmental standpoint. According to him, teenagers are often not emotionally equipped to handle the pressures that come with social media use. He argues that shielding young people until they reach a certain level of maturity allows them to build confidence and strong values under proper guidance.
Charity Agozie, also a 400-level student at Covenant University, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mental health risks associated with social media. While supporting the ban, she emphasized the need for balance, stressing that teaching responsible online behaviour and digital literacy is equally important to help young people navigate social media safely as they grow older.
On the other hand, many young people strongly oppose the restriction, describing it as excessive. Divine Barikpe, a 400-level student at Covenant University, argued that social media plays a vital role in learning, self-expression, and communication in today’s digital age. She believes that banning access does not address the root causes of online harm but instead limits opportunities for growth. In her view, digital education, parental guidance, and monitoring are more sustainable solutions.
This perspective is shared by Odekunle Precious, who warned that outright bans could be counterproductive. He noted that many teenagers rely on social media platforms to develop digital skills, build communities, and explore their identities. Rather than imposing blanket restrictions, he suggested stricter regulations, improved content controls, and stronger parental involvement as more balanced alternatives.
From a teenage perspective, 14-year-old Anuoluwapo, a Grade 11 student at Lariken International School, described the ban as “too extreme.” She maintained that social media is an important tool for learning and connection among young people and insisted that education on safe and responsible usage would be more effective than complete restriction.
As Australia moves forward with the policy, the reactions highlight a broader global conversation about how best to protect young people online without cutting them off from the benefits of digital engagement.
While opinions differ sharply, a common thread runs through the debate: the need to balance safety with education, guidance, and responsible access in an increasingly connected world.
The opinions gathered reflect a diverse range of perspectives on Australia’s social media restrictions for young people. While some respondents view the policy as a necessary safeguard against online risks, others believe it is overly restrictive and potentially counterproductive. Despite differing views, a common theme emerges: young people need protection, but they also require guidance, digital education, and opportunities to grow responsibly in an increasingly connected world.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
