Canberra: Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has recommended that YouTube be included in the government's impending social media ban for individuals under the age of 16. This move comes as Australia prepares to enforce a ban on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat for teenagers, with the final decision resting with the communications minister.

According to Anadolu Agency, Australia made headlines last November by becoming the first country to pass legislation prohibiting children from accessing social media. The new laws, anticipated to take effect by the end of this year, will prevent anyone 16 or younger from using popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X. Initially, YouTube was not included in this ban. However, Grant emphasized that the government should avoid exempting specific platforms due to the potential for changing risks and harms.

Grant highlighted the ongoing online threats faced by children and the need for comprehensive measures during her address at the National Press Club. She noted that while YouTube might be exempted for educational purposes, this would require teachers to log out of personal accounts when using the platform in classrooms. Google, the owner of YouTube, responded by stressing the platform's role in education and arguing that it serves as a video streaming service rather than a social media platform.

New research indicates that seven out of ten children have encountered harmful content online, including misogynistic content, hate material, and content promoting disordered eating. The study revealed that YouTube was the platform most frequently associated with harmful exposure, with nearly four in ten children reporting such encounters. Additionally, the research found that 36% of children had experienced online abuse from peers on YouTube, while similar percentages reported bullying on messaging apps and online gaming platforms.