Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s One Month In

It’s been a month since Australia introduced its nationwide ban on social media for under-16s, and early signs suggest the impact is anything but straightforward. While some teenagers say the break has been refreshing, others are already finding ways around the rules.

The ban, introduced under the Online Safety Amendment Act, puts the responsibility squarely on tech companies. Major platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit are now required to verify users’ ages through measures like facial recognition selfies, ID uploads, or even bank-linked verification. Companies that don’t comply face hefty fines—up to AUD 49.5 million (around USD 32 million). Notably, the law does not penalize parents or teens themselves.

The government says the goal is to shield young people from addictive platform designs and the mental health impacts often linked to social media use, including poor sleep, anxiety, and stress. Critics, however, argue that enforcement will be patchy and that teens will simply migrate elsewhere.

So, what’s actually happened in the first month?

Teens Have Mixed Feelings

Reactions among teenagers have been divided.

Some are leaning into life offline. Fourteen-year-old Amy told the BBC she’s been keeping a diary since the ban began and says she feels “free” without the pressure of constant Snapchat messages. Instead of scrolling after school, she’s taken up running.

Others, however, haven’t exactly gone offline they’ve just gone elsewhere. Many teens have shifted to platforms that aren’t yet restricted, including Lemon8, Yope, and Discord. VPN downloads surged in the lead-up to the ban as users looked for ways to hide their location, though usage has since leveled off as platforms improve their detection methods.

The government has been quick to respond. Lemon8 voluntarily introduced age limits after realizing it fell under the new law, while Yope has been asked to conduct a self-assessment to determine whether it must comply.

Tech Companies Push Back

Even as platforms work to meet the new requirements, many are openly questioning whether the ban can achieve its goals.

Meta says it has already blocked more than 500,000 under-16 accounts in Australia. However, the company points out that teens typically use more than 40 apps a week, many of which fall outside the scope of the ban meaning harmful content may still be just a few taps away.

Reddit has taken a more confrontational approach, launching a legal challenge against the government. The company argues that the ban could cut teens off from age-appropriate communities, including spaces for political discussion, and may infringe on freedom of expression.

What Comes Next

Australia is the first country to roll out such a broad social media ban for under-16s, and other governments are paying close attention.

In the U.K., Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently voiced concerns about children’s screen time and hinted that similar restrictions could be on the table. In the U.S., a recent poll found that 64% of voters support a social media ban for teens, with strong backing from parents who also favor phone restrictions in K-12 classrooms.

As Australia’s experiment continues, the big question remains: will the ban genuinely protect young people or will it simply push them toward new platforms and new loopholes?