Regulating Social Media for Under-16s: Why Tonga Must Join the Debate Before More Damage Is Done
A major debate is unfolding across Australia and New Zealand—one that should urgently reach Tonga’s shores. The question: should social media platforms be regulated or even banned for users under 16?
In Australia, the movement was sparked by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who called for a social media age limit and commissioned former High Court Chief Justice Robert French to investigate. Within weeks, the idea gained traction at the federal level, and a nationwide law was passed that places the burden of enforcement on technology companies. These companies now face hefty fines—up to A$49.5 million—if they fail to implement effective age-verification safeguards. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) are included under the law.
New Zealand is now formally exploring the same policy path, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon tasking Education Minister Erica Stanford to lead the government’s response. National MP Catherine Wedd has introduced a member’s bill mirroring Australia’s law, and ACT Party Leader David Seymour is calling for a full parliamentary inquiry. These nations are not just legislating on age—they’re responding to a growing awareness that social media is weaponizing addiction, manipulating young minds, and corroding the fabric of civic discourse.
This is a conversation Tonga can no longer afford to ignore.
Why Regulation Matters in Tonga
While Australia and New Zealand are primarily focused on curbing addiction and protecting mental health, Tonga’s challenges are both similar and deeply cultural. Facebook has become a digital battlefield where uncontrolled language, character assassination, and personal vendettas play out in the public domain—often in the Tongan language, and often with no accountability. In many cases, social media is being used not to connect or uplift, but to tear down, humiliate, and destroy reputations.
Tonga already has laws in place that allow individuals to file defamation complaints with the police when they are targeted online. But the reality is that many people in Tonga are unaware of these legal protections or how to navigate the complaint process. What makes matters worse is that most of the vulgar name-calling and defamatory attacks come not only from within Tonga but also from Tongan users abroad. These digital assaults can cause immense emotional and reputational damage—not just to individuals, but to entire families.
The Case for Regulation
There are strong reasons to support regulation in Tonga:
– Mental Health and Well-being: Scientific research increasingly shows that excessive social media use is linked to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among teens. Tonga is not immune to these effects.
– Cultural Respect and Harmony: Unregulated platforms have become tools of division and disrespect, contrary to our cultural emphasis on dignity, humility, and reconciliation.
– Youth Protection: Children under 16 lack the cognitive maturity to understand the long-term consequences of their online behavior, making them vulnerable to exploitation, bullying, and manipulation.
– Digital Literacy and Legal Awareness: Regulation could be the catalyst for not only structured digital education but also public education about existing laws—so people know their rights and remedies when defamed online.
Arguments Against—and the Rebuttal
Opponents of regulation argue that bans are ineffective, that youth will always find a way around restrictions, and that enforcement is nearly impossible. Premier Malinauskas himself acknowledges this, but argues—correctly—that regulation still reduces harm, much like underage laws on smoking and drinking.
Others argue that social media provides a vital platform for free speech and community-building, especially in small nations like Tonga. This is true—but unregulated speech that becomes defamatory, toxic, or abusive is not free speech; it’s social destruction.
Time for Tonga to Act
Tonga must consider its own approach—potentially a combination of regulatory policy, digital literacy campaigns, and community-based accountability systems. A starting point would be to create a National Digital Safety and Conduct Framework that includes:
– Age restrictions and parental consent requirements for social media accounts
– Partnership with platforms like Meta to report and remove harmful content in Tongan
– Public education on responsible online behavior and how to use existing defamation laws
– Permanent bans for repeat offenders who use platforms to destroy others
In extreme cases, especially where cyberbullying leads to reputational harm or self-harm, a lifetime social media ban should be considered.
Conclusion
Social media is not going away. But its power must be tempered by responsibility—especially in societies like Tonga where tradition, family, and respect are our foundations. Let us not wait for a tragic tipping point. Let us act now, while we still have the cultural coherence and political will to shape how these platforms are used.
Tonga must join the global conversation, and more importantly, lead with policies that protect our children, preserve our values, and promote respectful dialogue—online and offline.
Melino Maka
Tonga Independent News
