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if you’re a young man in australiayou probably know new social media The rules are coming on December 10th. If you and your friends are under 16, you may locked out The social media spaces you use every day.
Some people call these rules a Ban on social media for under-16sOthers say it’s not a “ban” – just a delay,
Right now, we know that the rules will definitely include TikTok, snapchat, Instagram, FacebookThreads, Reddit, X, YouTube, Kik, and Twitch. But that list could grow.
We don’t know exactly how platforms will respond to the new rules, but there are things you can do now to prepare, protect your digital memories, and stay connected.
Here’s a guide to the changes.
download your data
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and most other platforms offer a “Download your data” option. This is usually hidden in app settings, but it’s powerful.
Data download (sometimes called “data checkout” or “export”) includes the following:
- Photos and videos you uploaded
- Messages and Comments
- Friends list and conversations
- The platform’s inferences about you (what it thinks about you, who you interact with most, and what kind of content it suggests for you).
Even if you can’t access your account later, these files let you keep a record of your online life: jokes, friendships, exciting debut videos, glow-ups, fan moments, all of it.
You can save it privately as a time capsule. Researchers are also creating tools to help you see and understand it.
Downloading your collection while your accounts are still active is a smart move. Just make sure you store it in a safe place. These files can contain incredibly detailed snapshots of your daily life, so you may want to keep them private.
Don’t assume the platforms will save you anything
Some platforms may offer official ways to export your content when restrictions begin. Others may move faster and block underage accounts with little warning.
As an example, Meta – the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads – has started flagging accounts they think are under the age of 16. The company has also given initial indications that it will allow data download once the new rules are implemented.
For others the situation is less clear.
Acting now, while you can still log in normally, is the safest way to keep your stuff.
Four ways to stay connected
Losing access to the platform you use every day to talk with friends can feel like losing part of your social world. It’s real, and it’s okay to feel resentment, anxiety, or anger about it.
Here are four ways to prepare.
1. Now swap phone numbers or handles on non-restricted platforms.
Don’t wait for the “You are not allowed to use this service” message.
2. Set up the group chat at a stable location.
Use iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord, or whatever works for your group and that doesn’t rely on age-restricted sign-ups.
3. Keep community ties alive.
There are many clubs, fandom spaces, gaming groups, and local communities on multiple sites or platforms (Discord servers, forums, group chats). Connect with those places.
4. Don’t assume you’ll be able to avoid a ban.
Teens who escape sanctions are not breaking the law. There are no penalties for teens, or the parents who help them, if they evade the ban and access social media under the age of 16.
It is up to the platforms to implement these new laws. Not a teenager. Not parents.
However, prepare. Don’t assume you’ll be able to avoid a ban.
Simply using a VPN to pretend your computer is in another country, or wearing a rubber mask to look older in age-approximate selfies, probably won’t be enough.
A Note to Adults: Take Big Feelings Seriously
Most people agree that the social connections, networks and communities enabled by social media are valuable – especially for young people.
For some teens, social media may be their primary community and support group. This is where their people are.
About the authors
Daniel Angus is Professor of Digital Communications, Director of the QUT Digital Media Research Center at Queensland University of Technology.
Tama Lever is Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University.
This article is republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. read the original article,
When that community disappears it will be difficult for some people. For some, it may be even worse.
The ideal role of trusted adults is to listen, validate, and support teens during this time. No matter how older people feel, for younger people it can be like losing a big part of their world. This will be really difficult for many people to deal with.
There are also services to support young people such as Headspace and the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
How to keep your agency in a hopeless situation?
Many people will find it disappointing that we are excluding teens instead of forcing the platform to become safer and better for everyone. If you feel this way too, you are not alone.
But you are not powerless.
Saving your data, creating alternative communication channels, and speaking up if you want are all ways to:
- Own your digital history
- Stay connected on your terms
- Make sure young voices tell how Australia Thinks about pursuing life online.
You are allowed to feel angry. You are also allowed to take steps to protect your future.
If you lose access, you won’t go – just changing channels.
Banning social media will cause disruption for teenagers. But they won’t be the end of your friendship, creativity, search for identity, or culture.
It simply means that the map is changing. You have to choose wisely about where you want to go next.
And no matter what happens, the online world will never stop changing. You’re part of a generation that really understands this, and that’s a strength, not a weakness.