Work

Digital policy as problem space: policy formation, public opinion, and Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 as a case study in digital policy formation, focusing on the socio-political processes that shaped its development. Framing the debate through Celia Lury's concept of ‘problem spaces’, the article explores how the issue of youth and social media use is constructed through ‘givens’ (perceived risks), ‘goals’ (protection), and contested ‘operators’ (policy solutions). Drawing on public opinion surveys and stakeholder submissions to a parliamentary inquiry, the article finds widespread public concern about online harms, especially for minors, but disagreement about how best to address them. While the Act's age restriction was broadly supported by the public and a majority of stakeholders, critics warn of unintended consequences and advocate alternative measures including media literacy and platform accountability. The case reveals broader tensions in digital governance between public demand for action, legislative responsiveness, and competing visions of youth digital rights.

Source: Media International Australia

DOI: 10.1177/1329878x251406315

Authors: Terry Flew, Timothy Koskie, Agata Stepnik

Institution: The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Freedom of Expression and Defamation

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650