An Australian influencer family, known as the Empire Family, is relocating to the United Kingdom in response to Australia’s new social media restrictions for users under 16. Set to take effect in December, the law requires major platforms to prevent underage users from creating or maintaining accounts, sparking debate among families and content creators.
- The Empire Family: Who They Are
- Understanding Australia’s Social Media Ban
- Impact on Young Creators
- Expert Insights on Child Online Safety
- Why the UK Was Chosen
- Regulatory Challenges for Platforms
- The Role of Parental Supervision
- Broader Implications of the Ban
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the Empire Family?
- Why is the Empire Family moving to the UK?
- What is Australia’s under-16 social media ban?
- What are the penalties for non-compliance?
- How will the ban affect young influencers?
- Are parents allowed to manage their child’s accounts under the law?
- Why is the UK a preferred option for influencer families?
- Conclusion
The Empire Family: Who They Are
The Empire Family consists of mothers Beck and Bec Lea, 17-year-old son Prezley, and 14-year-old daughter Charlotte. Charlotte has built a large following across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with all her accounts managed by her parents. The family explained that moving to the UK would allow Charlotte to continue creating content without interruption.
Beck Lea said, “We support the intent to safeguard young people, but there is uncertainty around how platforms will enforce the rules—whether through ID checks, facial recognition, or other methods. We want stability while the system is clarified.”
Read More: 10 Healthy Lifestyle Swaps to Beat Emotional Eating: Hydrate More and Limit Screen Time
Understanding Australia’s Social Media Ban
Australia’s new ban, described as a world-first, targets major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to A$50 million. The law aims to reduce risks to minors, but critics highlight potential privacy and data protection concerns.
Impact on Young Creators
Charlotte’s situation highlights the challenges young creators face under evolving digital regulations. Social media has become a legitimate career path for teens, offering opportunities to build personal brands, engage with audiences, and earn income. For influencer families, careful management is essential to balance safety with creative freedom.
Expert Insights on Child Online Safety
Digital safety experts support measures to protect minors but stress the need for balance. Dr. Mia Thompson, a child psychologist specializing in online behavior, said, “Abrupt restrictions can disrupt children who already have a safe, parent-supervised online presence. Clear guidelines and support are crucial for families navigating these changes.”
Why the UK Was Chosen
The Empire Family’s move reflects a growing trend among influencers seeking countries with fewer restrictions for minors under parental supervision. The UK provides an environment where young content creators can legally continue their work, offering stability and continuity for families managing online careers.
Regulatory Challenges for Platforms
Social media companies face significant challenges under the new Australian law. Platforms must implement robust age-verification systems to avoid fines, potentially using ID checks or facial recognition. Experts note that this could set a global precedent, influencing policies in other countries and reshaping the social media landscape.
The Role of Parental Supervision
Beck and Bec Lea actively manage all of Charlotte’s accounts, demonstrating a responsible model for child influencers. Parental oversight helps minimize exposure to harmful content and online risks while supporting creative development and regulatory compliance.
Broader Implications of the Ban
The social media ban raises questions about digital childhoods, privacy, and the balance between online safety and creative opportunity. National regulations could drive influencer families to relocate internationally, impacting the global distribution of online content and the digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Empire Family?
The Empire Family consists of mothers Beck and Bec Lea, 17-year-old son Prezley, and 14-year-old daughter Charlotte, a social media influencer.
Why is the Empire Family moving to the UK?
They are relocating to continue Charlotte’s social media career amid Australia’s new ban on under-16s using major platforms.
What is Australia’s under-16 social media ban?
Starting in December, major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X must prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Platforms that violate the law could face fines of up to A$50 million.
How will the ban affect young influencers?
It may limit their ability to legally maintain accounts in Australia, potentially impacting careers, followers, and earnings.
Are parents allowed to manage their child’s accounts under the law?
Yes, parental management is allowed, but platforms must still enforce age restrictions on users under 16.
Why is the UK a preferred option for influencer families?
The UK has fewer restrictions for minors under parental supervision, allowing children to continue creating content safely.
Conclusion
The Empire Family’s move to the UK highlights the challenges young creators face under Australia’s under-16 social media ban. While the law aims to protect minors from online harm, it also creates uncertainty for families managing child influencers. By relocating, the Empire Family ensures Charlotte can safely continue her social media career, demonstrating the balance between online opportunity and child safety in today’s digital world. Their experience underscores the broader debate on how regulations can protect youth while supporting creative entrepreneurship.
