Despite the ban’s aim to protect young people, experts are concerned that some could lose vital support networks
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Before Australia’s age restriction rules for social media use came into effect, one of Indy’s hobbies was making fan videos of her favourite television shows and games to post on Instagram or TikTok.
The 14-year-old, who asked that her surname not be used, is autistic. While some young people were exposed to harmful content and bullying online, for Indy, social media was always a safe space. If she ever came across anything that felt unsafe, she says, she would ask her parents or sisters about it.