HAVE YOUR SAY:
Do you think Australia is wise to ban social media for children under 16?
Social & Community News
16 January 2026
As of 10 December 2025, Australia became the first country to bar under-16s from having accounts on major platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, citing mental-health and safety risks. What’s your take?
“No, I don’t think a ban is wise. Social media is part of modern life and is used to share important information such as job opportunities, bursaries, events, and missing-person alerts. It also supports learning, with young people using platforms and AI tools for studying and assignments.” Kagiso Hlabathi, Rustenburg“I don’t support a full ban, but some limits make sense. Social media can affect young people’s mental health through comparison and cyberbullying. However, a complete ban could harm digital literacy and learning. Parents should guide responsible use rather than forcing children underground.” Willie Pretorius, Rustenburg
PUBLIC POLL: THE RESULTS ARE IN!
Do you think Australia is wise to ban social media for children under 16?
NO: 2% YES: 98%
