VPNs are a lifeline for the marginalized groups disproportionately affected by the Australian social media ban

The Australian government has now banned social media for anyone under the age of 16. In theory, this isn't a bad idea - after all, with cyber-bullying, extremist rabbit holes, unrealistic beauty standards, predators, and other dangers, it arguably makes sense to limit children's use of these platforms. However, there is no doubt in my mind that for some people, especially those from certain marginalized groups, the sudden loss of social media access will do more harm than good - and I hope those people know about VPNs.

Back when I was a teenager (long before any of the best VPNs had been invented), I was very anxious and socially awkward (most likely due to neurodiversity, according to almost everyone I've ever met). I found it hard to make friends in person, so I had a lot of internet friends that I enjoyed chatting with. Not only did it make up a lot of my social life at the time, but one of the friends I made online back then is one of my very best friends to this day. Later, when I went to university, the first friend I made there was someone I first spoke to via a Facebook group designed to let new students get to know each other. Without social media, I wouldn't have had that friendship, and without that friendship, my trajectory through life and path of personal development would have been completely thrown askew.

I can already anticipate what social media critics might say about that. "Oh, well, if you hadn't been using social media as a crutch, then you'd probably have developed your interpersonal skills sooner and made more IRL friends." But that's just not the case - I didn't withdraw from in-person social events, I just went to them and felt anxious and didn't do such a good job. If a strict social media ban had been introduced during my teenage years, my life would be worse now in tangible ways.

I have no doubt that there are Australian teenagers who have suddenly found themselves cut off from their online social circles and are now lonelier than they've ever been. Think of the closeted LGBTQ+ kids who hide their true identity for fear of the wrath of bigoted parents who have lost the chance to connect with other teenagers just like them. Think of the teenagers living with disabilities who don't have the physical capacity for in-person hangouts, but who felt part of a community through social media.

Of course, the people I described above are still at risk from the dangers of social media (and so was my young self), and that does deserve some consideration. The problems posed by Instagram, TikTok, and, urgh, X, are serious and need to be addressed. However, I think that a blanket ban on social media for teenagers has a disproportionately negative impact on those who are not neurotypical, able-bodied, cis, and heterosexual - and that's a problem.

So what's the solution? Well, the perfect approach is probably a much more complicated plan that includes revamps to the educational system, with a stronger focus on critical thinking, internet safety, and respect for others, with carefully protected online safe spaces created for the benefit of people in specific groups that are more likely to struggle. This would take a lot of time and cost a lot of money, so it's easy to see why the Australian government opted for a blanket ban instead.

For now, at least, VPNs offer the exit hatch that vulnerable teenagers who have just been cut off from their communities will need. We recommend our partner, NordVPN, as the best option.