‘I Feel Free’: Australia’s Social Media Ban, One Month On
For the first time in years, Australian teens are re-evaluating their relationship with social media following the country’s new ban for users aged 16 and under. One month since the ban took effect, young Australians like Amy, 14, are expressing a sense of liberation from their devices.
Experiences of Freedom and Disconnection
– A Shift in Routine: Amy describes feeling disconnected from my phone after the ban. Initially, she struggled with the instinct to open Snapchat each morning, even though access had been cut off. In her diary, she documented this addiction: I found myself reaching for the app out of habit on day two of the ban.
– Questioning Social Media’s Pull: By day four, with ten platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—unavailable, she began to reassess her use. It’s sad not being able to snap my friends, but I honestly feel kind of free knowing that I don’t have to worry about doing my streaks anymore. Snapchat streaks require daily communication, which many users find addictive.
– New Interests and Activities: Transitioning away from the app, Amy started running after school instead of relying on calls via Snapchat, illustrating a significant change in her daily habits. Now, I primarily use my phone for genuine tasks, she reflects.
Mixed Reactions to the Ban
While Amy’s newfound freedom might delight Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who advocated for this ban to protect young users from online toxicity, not everyone is experiencing the anticipated transformation.
– Aahil, 13, Stays Engaged: Despite the ban, Aahil admits he hasn’t changed his habits much. Spending about two and a half hours daily on social media, he still engages with platforms like YouTube and gaming sites like Roblox and Discord, which remain unaffected by the ban. In his words, It hasn’t really changed anything.
– A Shift in Family Dynamics: His mother, Mau, noticed a subtle change. He seems moodier now, she explains. He used to be more social when engaged with others online.
Psychological Aspects of Social Media Use
Consumer psychologist Christina Anthony offers insights into youths’ emotional responses to the ban. For many teenagers, social media serves as a way to manage stress and social anxiety, she explains. Disruption of this coping mechanism may lead to irritability or restlessness. Over time, however, teenagers may develop new strategies for coping, such as seeking more interaction with trusted adults.
Adapting to New Platforms
Amid the restrictions, some teens quickly turn to alternative platforms to maintain social connections.
– Lulu, 15, Adjusts: In response to the ban, Lulu created new accounts on TikTok and Instagram with ages over 16. While I still spend time online, I am reading more books,” she shares. However, she hasn’t significantly increased her outdoor activities or face-to-face meetups with friends. Instead, she and others have turned to WhatsApp and Messenger—both unrestricted by the ban—to keep in touch.
– The Social Connection Factor: Anthony describes social media’s appeal as deriving not just from content consumption but from shared experiences among friends. When that social aspect fades, using the platforms may quickly become unsatisfying, she adds.
Rising Interest in Alternative Apps
Leading up to the ban, several lesser-known apps saw a surge in downloads as teens sought substitutes.
– Compensatory Behavior: When a rewarding activity is restricted, people often look for substitutes, explains Anthony. This has seen many teens download novel platforms like Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar to fill the void created by the ban.
– Mixed Responses to New Apps: Despite initial enthusiasm, many users, including Amy, have found their interest waning. I downloaded Lemon8 due to social pressure but haven’t used it, she admits, highlighting a shift in priorities away from social media.
Gaming Platforms: A Popular Substitute?
There is ongoing debate about whether kids are migrating to gaming platforms, which present similar risks as social media.
– Mark Johnson’s Observations: Johnson, a digital cultures expert, notes that while gaming offers potential socialization, accessing these platforms may require more effort. Games can be much harder to get into for those unfamiliar with them, he states.
Future Considerations
The Australian government is closely monitoring how the ban has influenced youth behavior. A spokesperson for the eSafety Commissioner anticipates sharing findings on account deactivations soon.
For Amy, the ban has unveiled unexpected benefits. Reflecting on recent events, she noted, I was relieved not to be overwhelmed with disturbing content after the Bondi Beach shootings. With her social media time halved, she feels more at peace without the constant notifications from Snapchat, which used to dominate her screen time.
As the month progresses, discussions about whether the ban will yield primarily positive or negative outcomes continue. According to Amy’s mother, Yuko, It’s difficult to identify the long-term impacts just yet, but we’re hopeful for a positive shift. Only time will tell how Australia’s social media ban will reshape the landscape for young users.