Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

WISE NEWS PRESS / CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — DEC. 10, 2025

Australia has officially implemented a world-first law banning children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The legislation, which entered into force on December 10, shifts the responsibility of age verification and account removal entirely onto technology companies rather than parents. Platforms that fail to take "reasonable measures" to enforce the ban face penalties of up to €27 million.

Platforms Responsible for Deleting Accounts

Starting today, major social media giants are required to delete the accounts of all Australian users under 16. The impact is expected to be massive; Instagram alone has approximately 350,000 users aged 13 to 15 in the country. Under the new rules, young teens may still access some content but will be unable to log in or create new accounts.

While the final list of restricted platforms is still being solidified, it is confirmed to include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, Kick, and Reddit. However, the government has proposed an exemption for YouTube to ensure children can still access educational videos.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has already begun disabling accounts based on existing age data. Users who believe their accounts were removed in error can restore them by providing a short video or ID for age verification.

'Get Off Your Phones'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese championed the ban as a necessary step to protect the mental health of the younger generation. "Spend time with your friends and family. Side by side and face to face," Albanese urged, aiming to save children from the cycle of endless scrolling.

Supporters of the ban point to studies linking excessive screen time to psychological distress.

• WHO Data: A World Health Organization survey last year found that 11% of adolescents struggle to control their social media use.

• Mental Health Risks: A 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry indicated that spending more than three hours a day on social networks increases the risk of psychological problems.

• Expert View: Australian psychiatrist Christian Heim emphasized that the ban addresses access to harmful content related to "cyberbullying, suicide risk, anorexia, and self-harm," describing it as a matter of values rather than just science.

Skepticism from Scientists

Despite the government's firm stance, some experts warn that the ban might have unintended consequences. Critics argue there is not yet "sufficient and definitive" evidence to justify such a sweeping prohibition.

Amy Orben, a psychologist at the University of Cambridge researching the impact of online networks on adolescent mental health, noted that obtaining definitive proof is difficult given how fast technology evolves. Orben cautioned that because smartphones are deeply integrated into daily life and many teens already face psychological issues, isolating the specific impact of social media is complex.

"What could really change the situation are experimental studies or natural experiments," Orben said. "Therefore, the evaluation of the ban in Australia is extremely important because it gives us a real idea about the possible effects".

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