Australia social media ban: Australia is preparing to shut down more than a million social-media accounts belonging to users under 16, as the country moves ahead with the world’s first nationwide age ban on major platforms. Beginning December 10, services including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube will be required to block access for anyone under 16, or face penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million.
The ban marks the first attempt by any country to legally restrict under-16s from using mainstream social platforms, a move driven by concerns about the impact of excessive screen time, unrealistic online content and exposure to harmful material on young people’s mental health. The law comes amid growing research linking heavy social-media use to anxiety, depression and body-image distress among teenagers.
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Why the ban is happening
Australian ministers say the measure is meant to shield children from misinformation, online bullying, explicit content and the pressure to emulate the curated, commercialised lifestyles promoted by influencers. Studies have repeatedly flagged social media as a driver of psychological stress: research published in The Lancet found nearly 27% of teens heavily using social platforms reported high levels of distress, while another study linked seven-plus hours of use a day to double the risk of depression.
Alongside mental-health concerns, platforms have also been criticised for inadvertently exposing children to pornography, illicit drug sales and targeted harassment, including of LGBTQ users.
How the new rules work
The age ban, passed in late 2024 and activated this year under amendments to Australia’s Online Safety Act, will require tech companies to prevent younger teens from opening or maintaining accounts. Major platforms, including TikTok, X, Reddit, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, will be covered. Services such as YouTube Kids, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google Classroom and Pinterest are exempt.
Companies must introduce age-verification measures, but cannot rely solely on IDs. Violations may result in multi-million-dollar fines. The ban targets platforms, not children or parents.
How platforms are responding
Meta has begun notifying Australian users under 16 that accounts will be removed, advising them to download content before the cut-off. Snap will allow under-16 accounts to be suspended for up to three years until the user reaches the age threshold. TikTok says it is developing tools to report suspected underage users.
YouTube has previously signalled it may challenge inclusion in the ban, arguing its service functions more as a video-hosting platform than a social network. Tech-industry groups in the US have also urged the White House to pressure Australia to reconsider the policy.
A divided public debate
Reactions within Australia have been mixed. Supporters argue the law is overdue and could prevent serious harm, while critics say it undermines young people’s autonomy and may isolate teens who rely on social platforms for community, especially LGBTQ youth. Two 15-year-olds have already taken the matter to Australia’s High Court, arguing that harmful content, not access, should be the focus of regulation.
The ban is being closely watched internationally. New Zealand is drafting similar legislation modelled on Australia’s approach. Indonesia has announced new protections for young users, while Denmark plans to bar under-15s from social platforms.
