Three Months Into Australia’s Social Media Ban Here’s What Teens Are Saying
Australian teens share their experiences under the social media ban.
Published on Mar 25, 2026
After three months of implementation, Australia’s social media ban for children under 16 is already showing mixed results, with millions of accounts removed but many teens still finding ways to stay online.
The landmark law, which took effect on December 10, 2025, requires users to be at least 16 years old to hold accounts on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. It is one of the strictest attempts yet to regulate young people’s access to social media.
As governments around the world explore similar policies, Australia’s rollout offers a first look at both the promise and the limits of large-scale digital restrictions.
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Under the law, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent children under 16 from accessing their platforms. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million, placing the burden squarely on tech firms rather than on families. Children and parents are not penalized for violations.
In the first month after the law took effect, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner reported that around 4.7 million accounts held by children under 16 had been deactivated, removed, or restricted. The speed and scale of enforcement drew global attention, signaling a serious shift in how governments can regulate online spaces for minors.
Social media platforms kids under 16 can’t use
The law applies to widely used platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick. At the same time, some services were excluded after being classified as messaging or gaming platforms, such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, Roblox, Pinterest, and YouTube Kids. This distinction allows younger users to remain active in certain digital environments even without traditional social media accounts.
How platforms are checking age
To comply with the law, companies are expected to go beyond self-declared birthdates and use a mix of signals to detect underage users. Regulators say these may include patterns in account activity, interactions with other young users, and even behavior linked to school hours. Some companies may also use facial or voice analysis, along with account history, to estimate age more accurately.
What if you’re not logged in to an account?
The ban does not completely remove access to online content. Children without accounts can still view publicly available posts and videos. However, the government argues that removing account-based access limits exposure to features linked to excessive use, such as algorithm-driven feeds, notifications, and direct messaging.
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READ HEREHow teens are experiencing the ban after three months
Three months after Australia’s social media ban for under‑16s, teenagers are sharing mixed experiences. In an interview conducted by BBC News, some Australian teens say the change prompted reflection. “When the ban came, I got kicked off social media. It allowed me to see the clarity and how social media isn't really important in my life,” one teen said.
Others report a different experience: “I received notifications that there would be checks and that they would verify our age. However, I did not lose my account,” another shared, suggesting that enforcement is not always consistent.
Before the ban was even enacted, a large-scale survey of 117,000 children aged 9 to 16 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation found that most respondents did not think the restriction would be effective or necessary. About three-quarters said they still planned to use social media despite the upcoming rules. In the weeks leading up to the ban, alternative apps offering similar features saw a surge in downloads as young users looked for ways to stay connected.
A global test case for parents
Australia’s policy is now being closely watched by policymakers, educators, and parents around the world. It represents a bold attempt to reduce children’s exposure to online risks, including harmful content, addictive platform design, and unsafe interactions. Yet early results suggest that regulation alone may not fully address the problem. Access can be limited, but curiosity and social pressure remain powerful forces for young kids growing up online.
Policies can support safer environments, but they cannot replace guidance at home. Conversations about responsible online behavior remain essential, especially as children gain access to digital spaces at younger ages.
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.