A recent report indicates a significant number of Australian children are using social media platforms intended for users aged 13 and over, raising concerns about online safety and age verification.
Australian Children Exceed Age Limits on Social Media Usage
Australian Children Exceed Age Limits on Social Media Usage
Study reveals over 80% of children under 13 accessing platforms meant for older teens.
In a startling revelation, the eSafety regulator of Australia has reported that more than 80% of children aged 12 or under were using social media and messaging services last year, despite these platforms being intended for users above 13. Leading platforms noted in the report include YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
Australia is poised to introduce a legislative measure aiming to prohibit social media access for individuals under 16, expected to take effect by the year's end. Major companies under scrutiny include Discord, Google (YouTube), Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Reddit, Snap, TikTok, and Twitch, with many yet to comment on the findings.
Typically, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account on these platforms, although exceptions exist, such as YouTube's Family Link and the dedicated YouTube Kids application designed for younger audiences. Notably, the eSafety report excluded data from YouTube Kids, owing to its nature.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized the report's findings serve to enhance future strategies regarding children's online safety, highlighting the shared responsibility between platforms, device manufacturers, parents, educators, and lawmakers.
In a survey of over 1,500 Australian children aged eight to 12, it was revealed that 84% had engaged with at least one social platform or messaging service since the start of last year. Over half accessed these platforms using the accounts of parents or guardians. Furthermore, one-third of those surveyed reported having their own accounts, with 80% receiving parental assistance during the account creation process. Alarmingly, only 13% of these minors reported account terminations by services for underage use.
The report pointed out inconsistencies across the industry concerning age verification measures during account setups. "A universal issue has emerged: the ineffective interventions at sign-up points to prevent underage users from misrepresenting their birthdate," the authors noted.
Additionally, platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube provided insights on their age-verification practices. These companies mentioned employing technology to identify potential underage users after they begin utilizing the service, which may delay the detection and increase exposure to online risks for those under 13.
