Starting this December, children under the age of 16 in Australia will be prohibited from creating YouTube accounts, following a major policy reversal by the federal government.
The move brings YouTube in line with other major social media platforms already targeted by the new underage restrictions.
The updated policy, set to be officially announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells, is expected to face pushback from Google, which owns YouTube.
Coincidentally, YouTube is hosting a high-profile event at Parliament House on Wednesday evening aimed at showcasing its platform to political figures and staff.
Previously, YouTube had been granted an exemption from the sweeping under-16 social media ban by former Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
The platform had argued that it operated fundamentally differently from other social media services.
However, new Communications Minister Anika Wells has decided to revoke that exemption based on advice from the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.
Grant has expressed concerns about the platform’s impact on young users.
“The Albanese government is helping give children a break from the addictive pull of social media while also offering parents greater peace of mind,” Wells said.
“There’s a role for social media in society, but there is no room for algorithms that prey on children.”
Under the revised rules, YouTube will join a list of platforms subject to age restrictions, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and others.
The decision follows recent data shared by the eSafety Commissioner.
The Commissioner cited a national survey of 2,600 children in which YouTube was most frequently named as the source of harmful content, reported by nearly 40% of respondents.
Julie Inman Grant clarified that while account creation will be restricted, children will still be able to watch videos without logging in.
This, according to him, is because the law only governs the ability to hold accounts, not access to general content.
The legislation enforcing the age restriction is set to take effect in December.
Platforms that do not take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from creating accounts may face fines up to AU$49.5 million.
However, concerns have emerged from tech companies about the lack of clarity on what those “reasonable steps” entail.
Questions remain around what verification systems or age barriers will need to be implemented, and the government is expected to release further guidance in the coming months.
Prime Minister Albanese reinforced the government’s firm stance. “Social media must accept its social responsibility,” he said.
“There’s no question that these platforms are having a damaging effect on Australian kids, and we’re stepping in to protect them.
I want parents across the country to know, we’re on their side.”
As part of the rollout, the government will also introduce a formal list in Parliament outlining which platforms and services are exempt from the ban.
Messaging apps, gaming platforms, and digital health tools will not be affected.
YouTube had previously been grouped with services like Google Classroom, Kids Helpline’s MyCircle, and ReachOut’s PeerChat.
They are platforms considered educational or therapeutic, rather than social.
This classification sparked criticism from competing tech giants such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta, which accused the government of favouring YouTube.
TikTok described the exemption as a “sweetheart deal” that was “irrational and indefensible.”
YouTube, in a letter to the government last week, hinted at possible legal action should it be included in the ban.
A company spokesperson claimed YouTube provides “valuable educational and entertainment content” for younger Australians and should not be regulated like other social platforms.
Prime Minister Albanese dismissed these threats, stating that the government’s decisions would not be influenced by corporate pressure.
Despite the looming legal tensions, Google is proceeding with its annual “Google at Parliament House” event on Wednesday night.
The gathering, which often draws a large crowd of lawmakers and staffers, will highlight popular YouTube creators such as the Mik Maks and Never Too Small.
Previous years have featured notable performances, including The Wiggles. This year, musical act The Rubens is scheduled to perform.
Minister Wells stood by the new legislation, emphasizing the broader goal of online safety.
“Our aim is to help children discover who they are before algorithms decide it for them,” she said.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for online safety, but this age restriction is a major step toward improving young Australians’ digital wellbeing.”
Should African nations adopt similar age restrictions on social media platforms like Australia is doing?
Why It Might Be a Good Move:
Protecting Children’s Mental Health:
Studies worldwide, including in Africa, show that early exposure to social media is linked to anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem in children and teens.
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are engineered to be addictive. Algorithms feed children content that may be inappropriate or harmful.
Exposure to Harmful Content:
Even platforms with educational potential (like YouTube) host content involving violence, sexualization, misinformation, or dangerous trends.
In countries with weaker digital literacy, children are more vulnerable to radicalization, scams, and online predators.
Lack of Digital Safeguards:
In much of Africa, digital safety policies lag behind technology. Many underage users create social media accounts without any real age verification.
Adopting a legal minimum age for social media could force platforms to implement stronger safeguards and verification systems.
Empowering Parents:
Such laws would give parents more confidence and control over their children’s digital lives, especially in contexts where schools and communities lack structured digital education.
❌ Why It Might Be Problematic or Premature:
Enforcement Challenges:
Many African governments lack the technological infrastructure to enforce age restrictions effectively.
Children can easily bypass age checks using fake birth dates, VPNs, or shared accounts.
Access to Education & Information:
Platforms like YouTube are widely used for free learning, especially where school resources are limited.
A blanket ban could cut children off from digital education opportunities unless exemptions are carefully managed.
Lack of Alternatives:
Unlike Australia, many African countries don’t have well-developed, safe, local platforms or content alternatives that serve young users’ educational or social needs.
Digital Rights and Freedom Concerns:
There’s a thin line between child protection and overreach.
Poorly designed regulations could be misused to suppress digital freedoms or unfairly restrict young people’s voices.
What Could Be a Better Approach for Africa?
Instead of copying Australia’s model outright, African governments might consider a hybrid model that includes:
- Minimum Age Laws with clear exemptions for educational and health platforms.
- Strong Parental Controls and digital literacy campaigns in schools.
- Local Content Regulation to promote safer, child-friendly media.
- Partnerships with Tech Platforms to develop age-appropriate features and robust age verification.
Final Thought:
Yes, the intent behind Australia’s law, protecting children from social harm, is valid globally.
But for African countries, copying the policy without customizing it to local realities could do more harm than good.
A careful, inclusive approach is essential.