This single sentence from a teenager grasps what adults have been debating for years. Social media isn’t actually essential for young people’s survival or happiness. Charlie’s logical acceptance reveals a maturity that counteracts every ‘but the kids will be devastated’ argument against the world’s first national social media ban for under 16s.
Australia is making history with legislation that could penalize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok up to $32 million for failing to block underage users. Recent age verification trials tested nearly 60 different products with facial recognition proving most effective at creating meaningful barriers. Critics point out that determined teenagers will find workarounds. But this misses the point. No safety measure is 100% foolproof but we still implement them because they protect the majority.
Seat Belt laws don’t prevent all traffic deaths but they save countless lives. Similarly, age verification doesn’t need to be perfect to be worthwhile. The global influence is enormous. Britain, France, Singapore and several U.S. states are watching Australia’s approach as a blueprint for digital child protection. When tech billionaires like Elon Musk push back against child protection measures it gives us the idea that those measures might actually be effective.
The risks social media poses to young people that include cyberbullying, harmful body image content and exposure to dangerous material. Honestly, these are too significant to ignore while waiting for a perfect solution. Australia’s measured approach focuses on requiring ‘reasonable steps’ from platforms rather than demanding perfection. This creates a practical framework that can evolve with technology.
Charlie Price’s response reveals something that’s often overlooked. Some of our youth is more resilient and adaptable than we give them credit for. His practical planning to maintain friendships through other means shows that teenagers understand what many adults refuse to acknowledge. Social media platforms are tools, not necessities.
The ban won’t solve every problem but perfection shouldn’t be the enemy of progress. By implementing meaningful barriers and establishing platform accountability, Australia is proving that protecting children online is both possible and practical. Doing something imperfect to protect children is infinitely better than doing nothing perfect.