This story contains references to bullying.
As Australia's social media ban for under-16s made headlines around the world, 15-year-old Abbie Jane felt a wave of fear and frustration wash over her.
Abbie, a queer teenager from regional NSW, always felt isolated and misunderstood because of her sexuality. She said finding a supportive community of like-minded people on social media keeps her going.
“I was bullied really relentlessly and terribly terribly at school, face-to-face, for about two years straight,” she told The Feed.
“Social media and the ability to spread positivity and spread my story basically saved my life.”
Abbie is the founder of the Rainbow Shoelace Project – which encourages people to wear rainbow beads on their shoelaces to show support for people in the LGBTIQ+ community.
She hears from children aged 12 and up from all over the world and has built a loyal following on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
In a year, these platforms – in addition to Snapchat, Reddit and X (formerly known as Twitter) –
“I came home after a day… where people told me I was a waste of oxygen and that I didn't deserve to live… [and] I saw messages from people telling me I was their hero,” Abbie said.
“I don't think adults fully understand the concept and the positive effects that social media can have.”
Abbie Jane, 15, wouldn't have been able to achieve what she has without access to social media. Source: Delivered / Rainbow shoelace project
Young people do not feel heard
“We stand with you,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parents on Friday, after the social media ban was approved by the Senate overnight.
The bill was rammed through on the last day of parliament. .
Meanwhile, the public was given just 24 hours to submit submissions to last week's Senate inquiry into the social media ban.
Abbie believes that young people – especially those living in rural areas – have not been adequately consulted about the ban.
“All the people talking about this are middle-aged white men who are politicians, or just adults who are not queer,” she said.
“I don't understand why they did it so carelessly and didn't think about the really good, effective and positive aspects of social media.”
Implementation of the ban questioned
It is unclear how the age verification process, through which the government plans to enforce the ban, will work.
It's been left to tech companies to work out the details, .
But there are concerns that tech-savvy Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the generations that dominate today's internet culture, will be able to bypass the age restrictions.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which make it appear as if users are connecting to the Internet in another country, are just one of many possible solutions.
Sasha Berdon, 12, uses Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok and isn't sure if a ban could force her to delete her favorite apps.
Sasha is not convinced the ban will stop all young people from accessing social media. Source: Delivered
“If a lot of friends are still using it, I'd probably still use it. But if they stop, I'll stop…I feel like I'm missing something if I delete it and everyone still has it,” she said .
“On TikTok and Instagram, I communicate with friends…I also learn a lot of hacks and see what's going on. It's the news for me.”
There are also some inconsistencies about what is considered social media.
Calling, texting and messaging platforms – where Abbie is regularly bullied and the target of death threats – will not be age-restricted.
Messenger Kids, WhatsApp and YouTube are exempt from the ban.
Some young people reluctantly support a ban on social media
For other young people, news of the social media ban has yet to reach them.
“What is the ban on social media?” one teenager asked The Feed.
Clarice Chiew, 14, said she spends six hours a day on Instagram and is torn by the debate.
She said that while the positives of social media outweigh the negatives, she recognizes the downsides.
Clarice Chiew acknowledges that there is a harmful side to social media. Source: SBS
“I've made a lot of friends, but I've also seen a lot of things that a child shouldn't have, and I feel like that's definitely affected how I live,” she said.
“[The ban] It could be great to protect children from certain things that shouldn't be seen online, like bloodshed, violence… but it's also quite restrictive.”
Clarice believes the ban will benefit younger children.
“In the short term it will be very difficult, but in the long term it will certainly help,” she said.
“As they get older, they will know this is for the best.”
Readers seeking crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for under 25s). More information and mental health support is available at and on 1300 22 4636.
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