Australia will become the first country in the world to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16, starting 10 December 2025. Social media companies will be required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent children from creating accounts and to deactivate existing accounts for this age group.
The government says the ban aims to protect children from harmful online content and reduce the pressure created by social media design features that encourage prolonged screen time. A recent study found 96% of children aged 10–15 used social media, and 70% had been exposed to harmful content, including misogyny, violent videos, and materials promoting eating disorders or suicide. Additionally, one in seven reported grooming behaviour, while over half experienced cyberbullying.
Platforms Included
The ban affects ten major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. Platforms like YouTube Kids, WhatsApp, and Google Classroom are excluded, as they do not meet the government’s criteria for social interaction and content sharing. The government is also reviewing whether to expand the ban to online gaming platforms.
Enforcement and Age Verification
Children and parents will not be penalized for violations. Instead, social media companies are responsible and face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for serious or repeated breaches. Companies must implement age assurance technologies, including government IDs, face or voice recognition, and age inference from online behaviour. Users cannot rely solely on self-declared ages or parental vouching.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, will start closing teen accounts from 4 December, while Snapchat will allow verification through bank accounts, IDs, or selfies. Other platforms have yet to announce their compliance plans.
Challenges and Criticism
Experts caution that age verification technologies are not foolproof. Facial recognition, for example, may inaccurately target children. Critics also question whether the fines are significant enough, as companies like Meta generate vast revenues in hours.
Other concerns include data privacy and the risk of teens seeking workarounds, such as fake accounts, VPNs, or shared accounts with parents. Critics argue that education on safe social media use might be more effective than a strict ban.
Communications Minister Annika Wells acknowledged potential imperfections in the rollout, stating:
“It’s going to look a bit untidy on the way through. Big reforms always do.”
Global Context
No other country has implemented a full social media ban for under-16s.
Some European countries require parental consent or impose curfews, while the UK enforces fines and executive accountability for failure to protect minors. Denmark and Norway are considering similar age restrictions, and France has proposed a ban for under-15s.
The effectiveness of the ban remains uncertain, but Australia’s move sets a world-leading precedent in child online protection policy.