Australia Social Media Ban: Kids Under 16 Banned Now

Australia’s Groundbreaking Social Media Ban for Under-16s: What You Need to Know

Starting 10 December 2025, Australia is enforcing a landmark social media regulation that prohibits individuals under 16 years old from creating or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms. This law represents a significant shift aimed at enhancing the online safety and mental wellbeing of young Australians, responding to growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on children and teens.

Overview of the Social Media Ban

The Australian Government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 on 28 November 2024, introducing a mandatory minimum age limit of 16 for social media use on certain platforms. This means that from 10 December 2025, users under 16 are technically barred from legally holding accounts on specified social media services, regardless of parental consent.

This regulation is described as world-first by the government, positioning Australia at the forefront of youth online protection legislation.

Platforms Affected by the Ban

The ban targets popular social media apps known for significant youth usage and peer interaction. As of late 2025, the identified platforms include:

• YouTube
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Snapchat
• Reddit
• Twitch
• Threads
• Kick

Notably, certain child-friendly or educational apps such as Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, Google Classroom, and YouTube Kids are exempt from these restrictions as they serve different purposes outlined by legislative rules.

Why Has Australia Enforced This Ban?

The primary motivation behind this new law is protecting the mental health and wellbeing of Australian children and teenagers. The government highlighted risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, online predators, and the addictive nature of design features that encourage excessive screen time. They consider these risks to often outweigh the potential benefits of social media for young users.

How Will Platforms Enforce the Age Restriction?

Social media companies must comply by taking “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from signing up or continuing to use their platforms, or face heavy fines up to $50 million AUD if they fail in their duties.

To verify age, platforms may:

• Use AI-driven age estimation methods, such as analyzing uploaded photos or videos
• Offer users the option to verify their age via official ID documents
• Provide alternative age verification methods beyond ID submission to ensure accessibility and privacy

The responsibility lies with the tech companies to develop effective, privacy-conscious systems for enforcing this rule, rather than penalizing young users or their families directly.

Exemptions and Scope of the Ban

The ban applies specifically to platforms whose primary or significant purpose is facilitating online social interaction between multiple users and involves user-generated content and interaction features. Services focused on online gaming or standalone messaging without social media-style interaction features are generally excluded under the current legislative framework.

Impact and What This Means for Young Australians

For under-16s, existing accounts on restricted platforms will be required to be closed or disabled by the platforms’ age verification systems once the law takes effect. Parents will no longer be able to authorize their children under 16 to legally use these social media sites.

This approach is expected to reduce the exposure of children to harmful online content and pressures, contributing to a safer digital environment during critical developmental years.

Looking Ahead: A New Model for Online Safety

Australia’s social media age restrictions are considered a pioneering regulatory model internationally. By combining legal mandates with enforced company accountability, this law aims to reshape the digital landscape to better prioritize youth wellbeing.

Ongoing monitoring by the Australian eSafety Commissioner ensures the list of age-restricted platforms stays current, adapting to evolving internet services and technologies.

Conclusion

The social media ban for users under 16 marks a landmark regulatory effort to protect young Australians from the potential harms of social media, reflecting increasing global concern about children’s digital safety. Through clear age limits, enforcement on tech companies, and exemptions for child-specific apps, this law balances accessibility with protection, pioneering a new standard for online youth safety worldwide.