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From adults to children, everyone is seen using social media, and its effects are being felt on people of every class. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are very popular among youth and children, but now Australia has taken a big decision to ban the creation of YouTube accounts for children under the age of 16 from December. Let us remind you that TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) are already banned in Australia.

Now, YouTube has also been included in this list after the recommendations of the e-Safety Commissioner. Officials argue that YouTube, despite being primarily a video platform, exposes children to harmful content and risks just like traditional social media platforms. According to an Euronews report, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed that the government is prioritizing the safety and mental health of children in the digital age.

Children reported harmful content on YouTube

We know that social media is causing harm, and my government is ready to take steps to protect young Australians. According to the e-Safety Commissioner, three out of four Australian children aged 10-15 years regularly use YouTube, making it more popular than TikTok and Instagram. Worryingly, 37 percent of children reported that they encountered harmful online content on YouTube.

The commissioner concluded that providing an exemption to YouTube was not in line to protect minors, which was included in the ban. Children under the age of 16 will be able to watch videos even without an account, but they will not get access to comments, content creation features or personalized recommendations.

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