Australia’s Social Media Ban Might Isolate Teens With Disabilities

Australia plans to implement the world’s first social media ban for those under 16 on December 10, covering platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. However, young people with disabilities and their advocates fear that the ban will sever vital social connections, further deepening their sense of isolation.

Fifteen-year-old Wren Alfaro, who has mobility difficulties, chronic fatigue, ADHD, and autism, said that social media is their main means of interacting with friends, especially on days when they are unwell or unable to go out.

Skye Kakoschke-Moore, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia, said that many public spaces remain inaccessible for people with disabilities, making social media a safe and inclusive place for connection. She urged the government to consider exemptions for young people with disabilities.

While social media can have negative effects, it remains an essential lifeline for people with disabilities to stay connected with the world. Experts call on the government to take these needs into account when implementing the ban, warning that a blanket policy could worsen the social isolation of vulnerable youth.