Former TikTok advisor: 'Could social media bans spark innovation?'

When Australia announced its ban on social media for under-16s, the world’s headlines focused on the immediate fallout – concerns about teens bypassing restrictions and losing access to critical digital spaces. But what if such bold moves could also inspire the creation of new platforms that are designed specifically with young people’s growth and safety in mind?

Harvard scholar and former adviser on youth safety policies at TikTok, Natasha Ahmed-Walsh , sees potential in this disruption, suggesting that restrictions such as those posed in Australia could serve as a wake-up call for tech companies to rethink how they design their platforms for younger audiences.?

“There’s actually a growing number of platforms that are really designed specifically for young people,” Natasha explains. “Maybe this ban is moving us toward more innovative platforms with a greater focus specifically on user safety and wellbeing, and also developmentally optimal experiences.”

In an interview with Ailís Daly , WebPurify's Head of Trust & Safety EMEA, we asked her to elaborate…

An opportunity for purpose-driven platforms

Australia’s decision came in response to the inadequacies of many existing platforms’ safeguards for young users. But Natasha frames this as an opportunity for innovation.

“There are some really cool edtech initiatives coming up,” Natasha explains, “powered by AI and focused on educating young people in fun, gamified ways.”

She points to tools like Duolingo as examples of how technology can make learning engaging and rewarding.

“The missing piece of the puzzle is: how do we do that with social media?” she asks. For Natasha, the key lies in prioritizing user agency and wellbeing. Platforms that put young people’s needs at the center of their design could fill the gap left by bans, offering developmentally optimal experiences that are as safe as they are innovative.

Ailís Daly, WebPurify’s Head of Trust & Safety for EMEA, adds:

“Who are the likely people to be the innovators here? Is it going to be the adults, or is it actually going to be the young people themselves?”

The next big innovators may still be in elementary or high school, learning their way around the current online landscape and preparing to shape it. “They’re the next creators, the next founders. They’re the ones who may ultimately solve for this.”

Natasha also points to co-creation as a critical factor in getting this right: “When platforms involve teens in design decisions, they’re not just seen as consumers but as co-creators. That’s where we could see real progress.”

By engaging young users in the development process, companies can ensure their products genuinely reflect the needs and values of this audience.

Balancing safety and autonomy

Designing better platforms also means finding the delicate balance between protecting teens and giving them the freedom to explore and connect. Natasha highlights the importance of user agency, explaining that platforms need to empower young people to navigate online spaces responsibly.

“Imagine a social media platform that doesn’t just protect its users but actively helps them grow,” she says. This vision for online spaces is one where platforms can help teens build skills, relationships, and even resilience.

By incorporating trust and safety measures alongside thoughtful design, tech companies can create platforms that encourage autonomy while keeping young users secure.

Shaping the future of digital spaces

The debate around social media bans often focuses on what we might lose — access, connection, creativity. But what if these restrictions are also an invitation to create something better? With collaboration between policymakers, tech innovators, educators, and young users themselves, we have the chance to build digital spaces that are not only safe but empowering.

“We’re not just raising passive consumers. They’re creators and changemakers who spur and perpetuate joy. I think that's a huge benefit of social media that we shouldn't ignore," says Natasha.

Ailís agrees, emphasizing the importance of making space for young people to learn, grow, and contribute.

“You don’t just hand someone the keys on their 18th birthday and expect them to be road-ready. You build up to it, teaching the rules and practicing skills along the way. It’s the same with social media. We need to guide teens, giving them the tools and spaces to navigate their digital lives safely and responsibly.”

One thing they can both agree on, is that this moment calls for rethinking the status quo and investing in platforms that nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.

The question is: will we rise to the challenge?

To watch the full conversation, visit: https://www.webpurify.com/blog/how-social-media-bans-could-shape-platforms-and-push-teens-to-darker-corners/