Australia has officially moved forward with a law that bans users under 16 from using social media platforms. The law took effect on December 10, 2025, and requires companies to remove existing accounts for users under 16 and stop new ones from being created.

The measure was passed a year earlier with broad political support. In November last year, the Australian Senate approved the law to ban under-16s from social media. But this marks the first time a country has enforced a full ban of this kind. 

This ban applies to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a “proud day.” In a post on X, he said the change “gives children a safer start online” and that “parents now have one less thing to worry about.”

Why Australia introduced the ban

The government said it was acting on research about teen safety and exposure to harmful content. A parliamentary inquiry discovered that social media causes significant distress among young children. A study commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96% of children aged 10 to 15 used social media. Seven out of ten said they had seen content linked to misogyny, violence, eating disorders, or suicide.

Officials said the ban seeks to reduce the impact of content that encourages young people to stay on the platforms for long periods while exposing them to material that may affect their mental health and well-being. They also pointed to concerns about misinformation, bullying, and harmful depictions of body image.

How the new rule works

The ban places the responsibility on the social platforms. They are expected to identify under-16 accounts, remove them, and stop new sign-ups. Companies risk fines of up to 49.5 million dollars if they fail to comply.

Response from teens and ongoing concerns

The debate reflects the tension between protecting teens and recognising that social media plays a role in how they communicate and stay informed. Some young people have warned that the ban could isolate them from friends and peers. 

The government acknowledges the concern but argues that exposure to harmful content outweighs those challenges. Officials said they will continue to monitor the rollout to understand how the ban affects teens and families.

Albanese had previously said that children should engage in other recreational activities rather than spending time on social media. “I want to see kids off their devices and onto the footy fields, the swimming pools, and the tennis courts,” he said.

A global test for future regulation

The new rule is being watched by policymakers in other countries who are considering stronger age restrictions on social media. Australia’s decision shows how far regulators are willing to go when voluntary measures do not meet expectations.

The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, overseeing the enforcement, told Reuters that many parents in the U.S. had expressed interest in similar protections for young teens. The coming months will serve as a test of whether large platforms can remove underage users at scale and maintain age restrictions in a digital environment where teens often find alternative paths to access.

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