Australia is set to become the first country in the world to enforce a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, with the law scheduled to take effect on December 10, 2025. The move, stemming from the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, aims to shield young Australians from the potential harms of online platforms, including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and online predators.
What the Ban Entails
Under the new legislation, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Threads, and Kick will be required to prevent users under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Parental consent will not override the ban, and the responsibility for enforcement falls squarely on the tech companies. Platforms that fail to implement “reasonable steps” to prevent underage access could face fines of up to A$50 million (approximately $32 million).
How It Will Work
The government has tasked social media companies with developing robust age-verification systems to ensure compliance. While the specifics of these systems are still being finalized, the government expects platforms to use identity checks, such as government-issued documents or biometric verification, to confirm users’ ages. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger Kids, and educational tools such as Google Classroom will not be affected by the ban.
Why the Ban Was Introduced
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the ban as a necessary step to protect the mental health and wellbeing of children and teens. “Platforms now carry a social responsibility to prioritize the safety of our children,” Albanese stated. “We are ensuring that parents can engage in a different conversation today and in the days to come.” He cited risks such as damaging body image portrayals, misogynistic content, and the broader mental health impacts of excessive social media use as key motivators for the legislation.
Real-Life Impact and Expert Insights
While some parents and mental health advocates welcome the ban, experts warn of unintended consequences. Dr. Nicole Rinehart, a child psychologist, cautions that the ban could drive young people to less regulated, fringe platforms where risks may be even greater. “Some will continue to access social media through other means, including newer and less well known ‘fringe’ platforms. The ban does not provide for the digital skills and regulations that parents and carers need to effectively support their children to maximise the benefits of online services for their wellbeing,” she noted.
What Comes Next
With the implementation date fast approaching, social media companies are racing to update their age-verification systems. The Australian government has signaled that the list of banned platforms may be expanded in the coming months, and ongoing monitoring and enforcement will be critical. For families, the ban means a significant shift in how children interact online, and for young people, it may mean finding new ways to connect and access information.
