Full Story 'No playbook for this': the eSafety commissioner on her world-first social media ban
Dec 9, 2025
Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, discusses the groundbreaking social media ban for under-16s. She outlines how the ban will be implemented and the metrics for success, plus the potential challenges in enforcement. Julie highlights the dangers children face from manipulative platform designs and the rationale behind this unprecedented move. She shares insights on international pushback, including misinformation from figures like Elon Musk, and reveals the personal toll her role has taken, emphasizing the tough path of championing online safety.
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No Existing Playbook For The Ban
- Julie Inman Grant says there's no playbook for this world-first policy and the rollout required "mental gymnastics."
- The eSafety Office put the onus on platforms while coordinating with educators, parents and young people during transition.
Use Real Data To Judge Success
- Measure success with real-world data like ABS, PBS and NAPLAN to capture health, schooling and medication changes.
- Monitor unintended consequences such as migration to other platforms or darker corners of the internet.
Self-Assessment As A Practical Compromise
- Rapidly drafted policy left gaps in declaratory powers and scenarios, so companies self-assess compliance.
- Julie framed self-assessment as pragmatic: platforms and their lawyers decide compliance, while the office seeks clarity.