Australia Includes YouTube in Under-16 Social Media Ban
Above: A YouTube logo on a smartphone with the flag of Australia in the background. Image copyright: Avishek Das/SOPA Images/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
This is a necessary protection for Australian children who face real harm online. Research shows 40% of kids report experiencing harm on YouTube, from violent content to dangerous challenges that can lead to tragic outcomes. The government stands with families against tech giants that prioritize profits over child safety.
Government-critical narrative
YouTube serves as a vital educational resource that shouldn't be lumped together with traditional social media platforms. The platform provides free, high-quality academic content widely used in classrooms and by parents, making it fundamentally different from interaction-focused social networks.
