Australia’s Social Media Ban For Under-16s Comes into Effect
Australia has enforced a nationwide ban that stops children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts. The law took effect from December 10 and applies to all major platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, Reddit, Twitch and others. Platforms that fail to remove under-age accounts can face heavy fines.
Aim is child safety
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a proud day, saying the move is designed to protect children from online risks such as bullying, predatory behaviour and addictive content. The government said the decision was based on advice from psychologists and child-safety experts who warned of rising mental health problems among young users.
How platforms must comply
Social media companies must now put age-verification systems in place and deactivate accounts belonging to users below 16. Children will still be able to view public posts without logging in, but they will not be able to sign up, post, follow others or send messages.
Mixed reactions to the ban
Parents and child-safety groups have supported the decision, describing it as necessary protection. Others have raised concerns that the ban may drive teenagers to unregulated platforms or private messaging channels. Civil rights groups have also questioned how age-checks will work and whether the law may limit young people’s freedom of expression.
