Young Australians under 16 will be unfairly affected if YouTube is included in the proposed social media restrictions. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram focus mainly on social interaction, YouTube is widely used for educational content, creative development, and safe self-expression. Students across the country rely on YouTube to help with homework, learn new skills, explore their interests, and access mental health resources — especially in rural or remote areas where other support may be limited.

If YouTube is treated the same as other social media platforms, we risk cutting off a vital source of informal education and support for young Australians. This move could reduce digital literacy, stifle creativity, and disadvantage students who use the platform to stay engaged and informed. On the other hand, allowing continued access to YouTube — especially with proper parental controls — would help young people grow up equipped to navigate the online world responsibly and resourcefully.

With legislation on the horizon, we must act now to ensure YouTube is not grouped in with platforms that pose entirely different risks. Decision-makers need to hear that YouTube is not just a social media site — it’s a learning tool, a lifeline, and a launchpad for Australia’s next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers. We urge you to speak out and protect access to this essential platform before it’s too late.