Australian grandmother fears social media ban will cut ties with grandchildren

A Western Australian grandmother has spoken out against Australia’s impending social media ban for under-16s, fearing it will limit her ability to stay connected with her young grandchildren.

The new laws, set to take effect by December 2025, will prevent children under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

The government has framed the legislation as a necessary step to protect young people from online harms, but critics argue it is a blunt tool that could have unintended consequences.

A Grandmother’s Struggle to Stay Connected

Leschenault resident Lee Pettersson relies on social media to keep in touch with her seven grandchildren, aged between nine and 15, who live in Perth—more than an hour and a half away by car.

Due to her disability, regular visits are not always possible, making platforms like Instagram and Messenger Kids essential for maintaining a close relationship with her family.

“Not every grandparent can travel to see family,” Pettersson said. “The distance and my health mean I can’t just hop in a car and visit. Social media has been a lifeline.”

Once the ban is enforced, her grandchildren will no longer be able to have accounts on these platforms, cutting off a crucial communication channel.

The Australian government argues the legislation is necessary to protect children from cyberbullying, online predators, and the negative mental health effects associated with excessive social media use.

According to the McGrindle Research 2025 Trends report, two-thirds of Gen Zs believe social media negatively affects their mental health, and over half wish it had never been created.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland defended the decision, stating that online safety is a priority and that parents and educators have long called for stronger protections.

The new rules will require social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from creating accounts or face fines of up to $50 million for systemic breaches.

The Unintended Consequences

While the ban is well-intentioned, many argue it is overly restrictive and may not address the root causes of online harm. Critics, including human rights groups and social media companies, warn of significant downsides:

• Impact on Family Connections: Grandparents like Pettersson fear they will have fewer opportunities to engage with their grandchildren, particularly those who live far away.
• Workarounds and Enforcement Issues: Children who wish to be online may still find ways to circumvent the ban, such as using parents’ accounts or falsifying their age.
• Educational and Social Implications: Social media is a vital tool for young people to engage in educational and extracurricular activities, including online study groups and school projects.
• Parental Responsibility vs. Government Oversight: Many parents, like Pettersson, argue that online safety should be their responsibility, not something dictated by government regulations. “My children are responsible for the parenting and guidelines set for their children. It is not a government responsibility,” she said.

Despite criticism, the government remains firm on the legislation, arguing that implementation challenges will be addressed over time. Exemptions will apply to platforms deemed essential for education and communication, such as YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, and Google Classroom.

However, for many families who rely on mainstream social media for everyday interactions, the impact will be significant.

As the December 2025 deadline approaches, the conversation around this policy is likely to intensify. For detractors like Pettersson, the hope is that the government will find a more balanced approach – one that protects children while still allowing families to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.