80% of Children Under 13 Bypass Social Media Restrictions: Report
A new study conducted by Australia’s e-Safety Commission has revealed startling facts. According to the report, 80% of children under the age of 13 bypass age restriction policies of social media platforms
prativad 
Sydney: A new study conducted by Australia’s e-Safety Commission has revealed startling facts. According to the report, 80% of children under the age of 13 bypass age restriction policies of social media platforms and regularly use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
The study found that more than half of children aged 8 to 12 accessed social media through their parents’ or caregivers’ accounts, while only 5% logged in using their siblings' or friends’ accounts. Additionally, more than one-third of children admitted to having their own accounts, which were usually created with parental assistance.
Key Findings of the Study
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27% of children used social media without any account.
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In 2024, only 13% of accounts belonging to underage children were closed due to age restrictions.
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The survey was conducted in Australia in September, covering 1,504 children aged 8 to 15.
The e-Safety Commission stated that the purpose of this study was to thoroughly analyze children's social media usage, especially before the implementation of a social media ban for children under 16 by the end of 2025 in Australia.
Amendments to Online Safety Laws In November 2024, the Australian government passed an online safety amendment bill, which received 77% public support. Under this law, children under the age of 16 will be prohibited from creating social media accounts.
Findings from the 'Behind the Screen' Report The "Behind the Screen" report by the online safety monitoring body highlights inconsistencies related to social media usage. According to the report, 95% of children under 16 used at least one of the eight major social media platforms included in the study: Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and Discord.
The study also found that among children aged 8 to 12, the most popular social media platforms were YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Experts believe that the findings of this report serve as a warning for governments and parents to take appropriate measures to ensure children's online safety.
