Australian kids reveal what they think of government’s under 16s social media ban

With the days of doomscrolling over, life’s a beach again for Aussie kids. The Daily Telegraph got their thoughts as Australia’s social media ban for under 16-year-olds begins.

Corenza Clewley, 13, having fun with her brother Blygh, 8, at Coogee Beach after her parents have already banned her from social media. Picture: Jonathan Ng

With the days of doomscrolling over, life’s a beach again for Aussie kids.

As the country’s world-leading social media ban for under-16s comes into effect on December 10, the coast looms as a popular destination for Sydney teens and tweens looking for different ways to keep themselves occupied.

Corenza Clewley, 13, embraced the new normal a day early, heading to Coogee Beach yesterday (Tuesday) for a dip with eight-year-old brother Blygh.

She told The Daily Telegraph there would be some teething problems, but the ban was ultimately a positive thing.

“I think it’s good that they’re doing it,” Corenza said.

She said she would rather cop the ban on the chin and wait until she was 16 to use social media than attempt to circumvent it like many others her age.

“I’m going to have to just get everybody’s numbers and text them,” she said.

The Telegraph also spoke to a 15-year-old boy who said he would “just wait the year” before returning to social media.

Corenza (left) said the ban was a good thing. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“It shouldn’t be that deep,” he said.

“I can survive.”

Matilda Sweeney, 15, said the ban was likely to lead children towards more traditional methods of socialising.

“I think it’ll give everyone the chance to be more social and go out more,” she said.

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