Experts have warned that blanket social media bans for teenagers could have unintended consequences, potentially driving young users toward less regulated online spaces, including anonymous platforms and, in some cases, the dark web.
The concerns come as Australia continues to implement its landmark under-16 social media ban, making it the first country to introduce such nationwide restrictions.
According to Australia's eSafety Commission, seven out of ten parents whose children already had social media accounts reported that their teenagers continued accessing age-restricted platforms despite the ban.
Experts divided on dark web risk
Speaking to Metro, cybersecurity experts said the possibility of teenagers turning to the dark web exists, but opinions differ on how widespread the trend could become.
Pieter Arntz, a security intelligence analyst at Malwarebytes, expressed concern that blocking access to mainstream social media could encourage some teenagers to seek alternative online environments.
The dark web, accessible through specialized browsers such as Tor Browser, allows users to browse anonymously and is often associated with privacy-focused services, underground forums, and illegal activities.
However, Dr Yusuf Oc of Bayes Business School described the concern as "real but overstated."
According to Oc, accessing the dark web requires additional effort and technical knowledge, making it unlikely that large numbers of teenagers would choose that route.
Telegram and unmoderated platforms more likely
Experts believe a more realistic outcome is that teenagers may migrate to private messaging services and lightly moderated online communities.
Applications such as Telegram and other privacy-focused communication platforms could become more attractive to younger users seeking alternatives to mainstream social media networks.
Researchers note that young people rarely abandon digital communication entirely when restrictions are imposed. Instead, they tend to adapt by finding new platforms or methods to stay connected.
Australia's experience has also highlighted challenges in enforcing age-based restrictions online.
According to reports, some teenagers have successfully bypassed age-verification systems by altering selfies to appear older, using a parent's identification documents, or simply creating new accounts with different birth dates.
These loopholes have raised questions about the effectiveness of age-verification technology and the practical challenges of enforcing social media bans.
Lessons for other countries
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, are considering similar age-based restrictions on social media access.
Industry experts argue that policymakers should closely study Australia's experience before introducing comparable legislation.
According to Tim Levy, managing director of Smoothwall's parent company Qoria, young people do not simply disconnect from the internet when restrictions are introduced. Instead, they often shift toward other digital platforms that may offer fewer safety protections.
The debate highlights a growing challenge for governments worldwide: how to protect children online while avoiding unintended consequences that could expose them to less regulated or potentially riskier digital environments.
Experts say effective online safety strategies may require a combination of age controls, digital literacy education, parental involvement, and platform accountability rather than relying solely on access restrictions.
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