Kids are outsmarting social media bans. That's not a problem we need to solve

Several countries are implementing age restrictions on social media for minors, but evidence from Australia's 2024 ban shows these measures are easily circumvented—with four in five teens under 16 finding ways around the restrictions. Rather than attempting to close loopholes, the article argues that age gates are ineffective and counterproductive, as stricter enforcement could push young people toward less-moderated platforms and compromise privacy for everyone. The author advocates for more nuanced policies focused on limiting corporate data collection and giving families flexible tools to manage content, rather than blanket age restrictions.