Australia Has Officially Implemented The World’s First Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the ban came into effect, banning and removing millions of accounts of children under 16 and preventing new ones from being created.
Australia has officially implemented the world’s first social media ban for children under 16.
The move comes after the government expressed concerns about how social media negatively affects children's mental and physical health.
The ban had passed in parliament in late 2024, requiring social media companies to take "reasonable steps" to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the ban came into effect, banning and removing millions of accounts of children under 16 and preventing new ones from being created.
The law targets 10 major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Kick, Twitch and Threads.
Companies must use age verification methods like behavioral analysis, selfies, ID uploads or bank links to enforce it, facing fines up to US$33 million for not complying.
The Australian government and child safety advocates say the measure is meant to shield children from online harms such as bullying, addictive design and inappropriate content.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese called it "a proud day" for families, saying that "it's a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world."
"This will make an enormous difference. It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced," Albanese said.
Many parents and child advocates, and even some children, welcomed the ban.
"I think eventually, without (social media), we'll learn how to adapt to it," 15-year-old Luna Dizon said.
However, others rejected it.
One parent told the Guardian the ban had forced him to teach his child how to break the law, teaching his daughter how VPNs work and other methods on bypassing age restrictions.
“I’ve had to set her up with her own adult YouTube account and have assisted her in bypassing TikTok’s age-estimation and will keep doing so each time it asks,” he said.
Meanwhile, many children posted goodbye messages on social media, Reuters reported.
Isha Jain
Isha Jain
Isha Jain
