In anticipation of the forthcoming social media restrictions, Australian teenagers are already gravitating towards alternative platforms.
With millions of accounts poised to be deactivated in just over a week, the real test may arise afterward.
Numerous students have transitioned to lesser-known networks that have not made it onto the government’s banned list.
“We observed the behavior of American teenagers when TikTok was unavailable—they migrated to platforms like Rednote and Lemon8, which resembles Instagram,” explained eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
“…Such shifts are inevitable; it’s typical teenage behavior.”
Currently, Yope, a photo-sharing application categorized under lifestyle in app stores, is swiftly climbing the popularity rankings.
A report from Queensland University of Technology released today found young users wanted social media improved but didn’t believe bans were the answer.
Nor did they believe the age restrictions were enforceable.
“Any attempt to just shut it off overnight like they’re going to do is completely disregarding our kids’ intelligence,” Victorian Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May said.
Education Minister Jason Clare said if other “equally insidious” platforms arose, MPs would be able to ban them too.
This would create a whack-a-mole situation with politicians attempting to keep up with tech innovators but Communications Minister Anika Wells insisted the focus would be on apps causing the most harm.
“Big tech is agile, innovative and moves quickly, so we must do the same,” she said.
“We expect the laws to be untidy but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.”
For now, most of popular apps on the banned list have begun informing users under 16 that their accounts will be shut down in the week ahead.
“This needs to be compassionate and kind because it’s going to be a huge transition for young people,” Inman Grant said.
