Australian teenagers are in the midst of a major digital exodus, quietly abandoning mainstream social media platforms and flocking to newer, lesser-known apps. This mass migration comes as the countdown begins to Australia's groundbreaking social media age ban, which is set to take effect in just 10 days.
The Rush to New Digital Homes
With the deadline of December 10 fast approaching, under-16s are scrambling to establish new online communities. This has caused apps like Yope and Lemon8 to skyrocket up the download charts. However, this scramble may be in vain. Under the new eSafety rules, any platform whose primary function is sharing posts, pictures, or videos is classified as social media. This means these new apps, regardless of their size or novelty, must also block users under the age of 16.
Adding to the urgency, tech giant Meta has announced it will begin early implementation of the restrictions this Thursday. The company will start shutting down Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts belonging to teenagers under 16, accelerating the timeline for many young users.
Risks and Challenges of the New Landscape
The looming ban has ignited significant concerns about the technology required to verify age. Every social platform now faces the complex task of accurately distinguishing between children and adults. This new requirement is creating a fertile ground for exploitation.
Experts are issuing stern warnings to families, urging them to brace for a wave of scammers. These bad actors are expected to exploit the widespread confusion by creating fake “prove your age” prompts. Families should be on high alert for deceptive texts, emails, and pop-ups that appear legitimate but are designed solely to steal identities, login credentials, and personal details.
7NEWS Tech Editor Shaun White confirmed the shift in app usage is already evident. “The shift in app usage has already become apparent in recent days, as teenagers prepare for the unprecedented restrictions,” White said.
Preparing for Social and Emotional Fallout
Psychologists are advising parents to prepare for potential backlash from their children during this turbulent transition period. They warn that teenagers may experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, or anger as they abruptly lose access to their established digital social networks and familiar ways of connecting with peers.
This social media age ban represents one of the world's strictest approaches to protecting children online. With this move, Australia is leading the global charge in restricting minors' access to major social platforms, setting a precedent that other nations are watching closely.
The coming days will test both the technical enforcement of the rules and the adaptability of a generation for whom social media has been a central part of daily life.
