Innovation or evasion? How social media bans could shape new platforms – and push teens to darker corners
January 22, 2025 | UGCAustralia’s decision to ban social media for users under 16 is either a masterstroke of public policy or a sweeping misstep, depending on who you ask. Advocates see it as a necessary measure to safeguard young minds, while critics warn it’s an oversimplified solution to a complex problem. One thing is clear: the fallout from this bold move could ripple far beyond Australian borders.
Natasha Ahmed, a scholar at Harvard and former global policy manager for TikTok, and Ailís Daly, WebPurify’s Head of Trust and Safety, EMEA, tackle this dichotomy in a candid conversation. Together, they explore whether Australia’s new policy will spark innovation in platform design or drive teens toward unregulated, unsafe online spaces.
You can watch the full video interview below, or read on for highlights.
The potential for innovation
Despite the many unanswered questions, Natasha and Ailís agree that Australia’s social media ban could be a spark for positive change. The move raises an important question: if mainstream platforms are deemed unsafe for young users, what could emerge to fill the void?
Natasha sees it as a unique opportunity. “We may see a rise in platforms that prioritize user safety while fostering developmental growth,” she predicts, pointing to emerging edtech tools and gamified learning experiences as a potential model. “These kinds of technologies could shift focus from profit to purpose, designing spaces that truly serve young people.”
Ailís echoes this optimism. “There’s an opportunity here to rethink how platforms operate,” she says. “Teens are incredibly resourceful and creative, so why not involve them in shaping the digital environments they want to thrive in?”
Both agree that bans could catalyse a new wave of innovation, creating digital spaces that focus on user wellbeing rather than engagement metrics.
The key, both argue, is user agency. “When platforms involve teens in design decisions, they’re not just seen as consumers but as co-creators,” Natasha explains. “That’s where we could see real progress.”
By designing platforms that prioritize safety and developmental needs, tech companies could pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering digital ecosystem.
Risks of driving teens underground
But with innovation comes risk, particularly when it comes to unregulated platforms. History is full of examples of restrictive policies having unintended consequences. “If regulated platforms are unavailable, teens will find workarounds,” Natasha warns. “They’ll flock to unregulated spaces where the risks are higher, and protections are minimal.”
Ailís agrees: “These platforms often lack the trust and safety teams that make mainstream spaces more secure. The very safeguards we’ve worked so hard to establish could be undermined.”
For teens, the appeal of these unregulated spaces lies in their freedom. But that freedom can come at a cost. Exposure to harmful content, predatory behavior, and unvetted interactions are just a few of the risks that loom large.
“When policymakers fail to provide safer alternatives, they’re essentially leaving the door open for these platforms to fill the gap – and that’s a dangerous gamble,” Natasha adds.
Finding balance between innovation and safety
So how do we balance the push for innovation with the need to protect teens from harm? Both Natasha and Ailís advocate for a collaborative approach.
“Policymakers, tech companies, educators, and parents need to work together,” says Natasha. “Nothing about us without us – young people must be included in these conversations from the start.”
Ailís highlights the role of education in fostering digital resilience. “Equipping teens with the tools to navigate online spaces safely is just as important as regulating those spaces,” she says. She also stresses the importance of providing parents with resources to understand and support their children’s digital lives. “This isn’t just about bans – it’s about building a digital ecosystem that works for everyone.”
Natasha envisions a future where platforms take a proactive approach to user safety. “Imagine a social media platform that doesn’t just protect its users but actively helps them grow,” she says. “That’s the kind of innovation we should be aiming for.”
Shaping the future of digital spaces
Ultimately, the impact of Australia’s social media ban for under-16s will depend on how society responds. Will it inspire a new generation of platforms designed with safety, education, and inclusivity at their core? Or will it push teens to the unregulated edges of the internet, where dangers multiply and protections are few?
Policymakers must partner with tech innovators, educators, and youth advocates to ensure that the digital landscape evolves responsibly, providing teens with opportunities to explore, connect, and grow within safe and supportive environments.
As Natasha points out, “We’re not raising passive consumers, we’re raising creators and changemakers.” This means involving young people in shaping their online experiences and ensuring they have the tools to effectively navigate the online world.
Ailís agrees, adding, “It’s like learning to drive. You don’t just hand someone the keys on their 18th birthday and expect them to be road-ready. You build up to it, teaching the rules and practicing skills along the way. It’s the same with social media. We need to guide teens, giving them the tools and spaces to navigate their digital lives safely and responsibly.”
By embracing this collaborative spirit, Australia’s policy could ignite global conversations about how to build better online spaces for future generations.