Australia has taken a significant step in safeguarding children online by becoming the first country to regulate access to selected social networks for individuals under the age of 16. This pioneering initiative, which is still in the pilot phase, involves research and insights from psychologist Kirra Pendergast, an expert in children’s digital environments and cybersecurity. Her work has played a crucial role in shaping the Australian government's decision to implement these new regulatory measures aimed at protecting young users from the potential harms of the digital world.

In an interview, Pendergast discusses the insufficiency of merely educating children about online dangers, emphasizing that regulation is necessary to ensure their safety. She highlights a key concern: instead of focusing on the regulation of social networks themselves, the government is opting to regulate the behavior of children. This decision may stem from the recognition that children are adept at circumventing restrictions, such as utilizing VPNs to access unregulated content, which could pose further challenges to the effectiveness of the measures if most children choose to bypass them.

Pendergast's initial skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing such regulations has evolved over time. She continually advocates for a solution that adequately addresses these complex challenges without compromising the safety of young users in a fast-evolving digital landscape. As Australia sets this important precedent, it raises critical discussions about digital safety and the responsibilities of both governments and tech companies toward protecting children online, potentially influencing regulatory approaches in other countries.