Is the Social Media Ban DESTROYING the Future of 60% of African Diaspora Youth? Shocking Consequences Revealed!

In a few short weeks, the Australian government will implement a controversial ban on social media accounts for users under 16, a decision that has raised significant concern among various communities. From December 10, young Australians will no longer be able to maintain personal accounts on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, although they will still have access to publicly available content. While much of the discourse surrounding this ban has focused on the potential dangers of social media—ranging from cyberbullying to screen addiction—new research highlights a crucial downside: the potential harm to marginalized youth, particularly those of African descent living in Australia.

A study conducted by a team of researchers focused on the experiences of African diaspora youth and their connections to identity and belonging, reveals that social media serves as a vital lifeline for many. This research is part of a larger project examining the theme of "African Diaspora Youth Belonging." Nine youth co-researchers from diverse backgrounds across Australia engaged 31 participants in discussions about their experiences and the significance of social media in shaping their identity. This diverse group included 26 young women, 13 young men, and one trans-female individual, representing various states and territories, except Tasmania.

While the majority of participants were aged 17–20, they reported having accessed social media from much younger ages. The findings underscored social media's role as a pivotal space for understanding and expressing identity. Many participants articulated how these platforms allowed them to “see people like me,” “learn about my culture,” and “find words to describe what I’ve always felt.” Umar, an 18-year-old from South Australia, noted,

“In Australia, there’s not really too much media for the youth in general, let alone Black youth. The main thing you’ve got is TikTok.”

This sentiment reflects a broader reality: for many young Black Australians, social media is one of the few platforms where they can find relatable content and community.

For participants like Abebi (21) from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), social media was “always uplifting,” as it helped her connect with others who shared her experiences. “I could actually find people like me because they were just everyday people posting, especially on YouTube. That was the first place I was able to look at curly hair care videos […] I felt so seen,” she explained. This notion of visibility is particularly crucial for young people navigating their identities in a landscape that often misrepresents or marginalizes them.

Key insights from the research reveal that social media serves as an essential educational tool. Tresor (20) from New South Wales shared how he learned important grooming practices through social media, saying,

“for example, what products to use on my hair […] There’s a lot of people out there [on social media] who can really teach you this stuff, and really help you understand how to better yourself as, for me, a Black man.”

Similarly, Keji (18) from the ACT emphasized that TikTok has been instrumental in helping him discover literature that deepened his understanding of identity and culture.

The negative portrayal of Afro-Blackness in Australia often reduces the narrative to one of crime or deviance, as seen in the sensationalized “African gangs” narrative. Participants articulated the pressure they feel to downplay their racial identity in everyday settings, stating they often must "shut your Blackness down" because it is not viewed positively. Social media, however, counters this narrative, offering a platform for more diverse and complex representations of Black identity. Farai (21), of Zimbabwean heritage, remarked,

“If I went online and saw how different everyone is, but they’re still like, yeah, I’m Zimbabwean […] it’s like, okay, I can be anyone, but I’m still Zimbabwean.”

This highlights how social media empowers young people to embrace their multifaceted identities.

Another significant aspect of social media is its role in equipping young people with the language and tools necessary for self-advocacy. James (19) from New South Wales reflected on how he gained insights into racism through social media, stating,

[I] didn’t really understand what [racism] could look like until I saw Instagram posts and YouTube videos.

This underscores the platform's potential to educate and inform, as well as foster discussions that are often absent in traditional educational settings.

While critics argue that social media promotes toxic content, participants in the study acknowledged these concerns but also expressed their capability to curate their online experiences. Tongai (18) from New South Wales recognized the unhealthy aspects of comparing oneself to others online but noted, “You can consume news and what’s happening without having to feel like you’re in it.” Addition (20), a trans-female participant, mentioned the importance of self-care, stating,

You can consume news and what’s happening without having to feel like you’re in it […] I had to unfollow people because I can’t process that right now.

Their ability to navigate these complexities demonstrates a significant level of digital literacy among young users.

The impending social media ban overlooks the critical role these platforms play in the lives of marginalized youth. The research indicates that limiting access to social media could exacerbate the isolation of young people of African descent, further hindering their pathways to identity, connection, and community. Aaliyah (18) from South Australia poignantly articulated this sentiment, saying,

once we see a Black person post something positive, it’s like – that’s me, I could be like that.

As this ban approaches, it becomes increasingly essential to consider how it may further marginalize an already vulnerable group, cutting off access to the support and resources that social media provides.