A recent study by Australia’s internet regulator, eSafety, has revealed that over 80% of children aged eight to 12 use social media or messaging services intended for users over 13. The most popular platforms among young children are YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, which have been accused of lacking robust interventions to check the ages of their users.
Children’s Social Media Use Exposed: Australian Regulator Sounds Alarm
More than 80% of Australian children aged eight to 12 use social media or messaging services intended for users over 13, according to a recent study by the country’s internet regulator, eSafety.
According to a 2020 report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 53% of children aged 5-14 have their own social media account.
The most popular platforms among this age group are YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Research suggests that excessive social media use can lead to increased risk of cyberbullying, decreased attention span, and negative impacts on mental health.
Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor their child's online activity and set limits on screen time to promote healthy social media habits.
Popular Social Media Platforms among Young Children
The study found that YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat are the most popular platforms used by young children. These platforms have been accused of lacking robust interventions to check the ages of their users.
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of people worldwide using various platforms to connect, share, and interact.
The most popular social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
These platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and consume entertainment.
According to recent statistics, over 4 billion people use social media, with an average of 2 hours spent per day on these platforms.
Exceptions to Age Restrictions
While all the examined platforms require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, some exceptions exist. For example, YouTube offers Family Link, which allows children under 13 to access their accounts with parental supervision. The platform also has a separate app, YouTube Kids, designed specifically for children.
Social Media Ban for Under-16s on the Horizon
Australia is set to implement a total social media ban for users under 16 by the end of this year. This move has been closely watched by other countries, including the UK, which has not ruled out implementing a similar ban.
Criticism from Social Media Companies
TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, have criticized Australia’s stance on YouTube. They argue that there is inconsistency across the industry regarding age verification methods and that the government’s decision to spare YouTube from the social media ban lacks evidence.
Age Verification Methods Questioned
The study also surveyed social media companies on their age verification methods. While some platforms claimed to use tools and technology to detect users under 13, the report highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. The regulator noted that proactive tools may rely on user engagement to detect relevant signals, which can expose children to risks and harms in the meantime.
Inconsistency Across Industry
The report’s authors concluded that there is a lack of robust interventions at the point of account sign-up to prevent users under 13 from providing false ages or birthdates. This inconsistency across industry highlights the need for more effective age verification methods to protect young children online.
Age verification is a critical process to ensure online safety and compliance with regulations.
However, inconsistencies arise due to varying standards across countries and industries.
For instance, some platforms may use birthdate as the primary identifier, while others rely on government-issued IDs or facial recognition technology.
These differences can lead to inaccuracies, particularly for minors or individuals with complex identities.
According to a study, 60% of online age verification methods are vulnerable to manipulation.
As a result, companies must balance user experience with security measures, investing in robust age verification systems that adapt to evolving regulations and technologies.
