Aussie mum of neurodivergent child explains the fallout banning YouTube could have

“Decisions around YouTube access should remain in the hands of parents, not the government."

Lauren Robinson

@L_Robinson96

3 min read

June 25, 2025 - 12:57PM

Parenting

Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News.

If YouTube disappeared tomorrow, it wouldn’t just be a digital loss for Finley. It would be a crisis.

The eight-year-old has autism, with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile and ADHD.

For him, YouTube is a lifeline to emotional regulation.

Nicole says banning YouTube could have negative impacts for her son, Finley. Image: Supplied

What a YouTube ban could mean for Finley

However, this week the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant has called on the government to consider banning the platform for minors under the age of 16.

She wants to see it included in the list of platforms in an under-16s social media ban due to come into effect in December.

For Finley’s mum Nicole, the words ‘ban’ and ‘YouTube’ together in a sentence struck deep concern straight into her heart.

“If a ban were introduced… it would significantly impact his ability to self-regulate,” his mum Nicole told Kidspot.

“Due to his PDA profile, autonomy is essential. Having control over his environment helps him feel safe. Removing that control, such as access to YouTube or games, almost always results in a distressing and often violent meltdown, as he becomes overwhelmed and loses emotional control.”

The family already has their fair share of challenges. They don’t want to see this one added to their list.

“Implementing restrictions like this would have a deeply negative effect on our family’s wellbeing and Finley’s ability to navigate daily life,” she explained.

YouTube isn’t the minefield it’s often made out to be.

For Nicole, it’s a vital educational tool.

“YouTube offers a wealth of learning opportunities, many of which might seem unconventional at first glance,” she said.

To the untrained eye, Finley’s just watching someone play Minecraft. But that’s only surface-level.

“For children with ASD and ADHD, who often learn differently and require constant stimulation, this type of content can be incredibly effective,” Nicole revealed.

In fact, she credits the platform for helping Finley learn how to read and comprehend.

“What began with reading video titles evolved into understanding in-game commands and reading dialogue boxes. At just 8 years old, he now reads at a level far beyond his age, equivalent to that of a 13-year-old, and confidently devours multiple books each week,” Nicole said.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

"YouTube serves as a tailored, often essential resource"

It’s become a space where he gains skills, develops interests, and builds confidence.

She believes YouTube and traditional social media platforms shouldn’t be clumped together in the problematic box.

“Unlike other platforms that rely heavily on scrolling and algorithm-driven feeds, YouTube allows users to directly search for specific topics of interest,” she said.

“This makes it significantly easier to find age-appropriate and relevant educational material, tailored to a child’s unique learning needs and preferences.”

Of course, all platforms come with risks, but for Nicole and Finley, YouTube’s pros far outweigh the cons.

She wants to remain the gatekeeper to this resource.

“Decisions around YouTube access should remain in the hands of parents, not the government,” she said.

“Every family’s circumstances are unique, and for many, YouTube serves as a tailored, often essential resource for learning and development. It is not a one-size-fits-all platform.”

In a public statement YouTube responded to the eSafety commissioner’s calls for a ban.

Rachel Lord from YouTube Australia and New Zealand said:

“This recommendation is in direct contradiction to the government’s decision to exempt YouTube from the ban. The government’s own research confirmed there was ‘broad agreement that YouTube is suitable for younger users’. 85% of children and 68.5% of parents said YouTube was appropriate for those aged 15 years and under, in contrast to social media companies TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. YouTube is not a social media platform; it is a video streaming platform with a library of free, high-quality content, and TV screens are increasingly the most popular place to watch.”

“We urge the Government to follow through on the public commitment it made to ensure young Australians can continue to access enriching content on YouTube.”