Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids: Is It Working?
On December 10, 2025, Australia implemented a nationwide ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, a first-of-its-kind law intended to protect children from online harms. Three months after the law came into effect, the initial impact is proving complex, with early data suggesting some positive behavioral shifts among young people, alongside evidence of circumvention and limited overall change in usage patterns.
The legislation requires social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to verify the age of users and prevent underage access, facing potential fines of up to A$49.5 million (£24.5 million) for non-compliance. The Australian government initially reported that 4.7 million accounts believed to belong to users under 16 were deactivated, removed, or restricted in the days immediately following the ban’s implementation. However, officials have acknowledged that this figure likely includes a significant number of inactive and duplicate accounts, casting doubt on its accuracy as a measure of actual impact.
A recent survey of 1,070 Australian adults, conducted by YouGov in January 2026, offers a glimpse into parental perceptions of the ban’s effects. The survey found that 61% of parents of children under 16 observed between two and four positive changes in their children’s behavior since December 10th. However, the survey also revealed that some parents reported negative changes, indicating a varied experience across households. The specific nature of these positive and negative changes were not detailed in available reports.
Despite the initial account removals, reports suggest that young people are finding ways to bypass the age verification restrictions. A report by Crikey, citing data from parental control company Qustodio, indicated that social media usage among those under 16 had only decreased marginally in the first three months of the ban. This suggests that the age verification processes currently in place are not entirely effective.
The Australian government’s move has garnered international attention, with lawmakers in other countries considering similar legislation. Professor Terry Flew, Co-Director of the Centre for AI, Trust and Governance at the University of Sydney, suggested the Australian law could “trigger a domino effect globally,” positioning Australia as a leader in regulating Sizeable Tech and protecting youth online.
The platforms affected by the ban include Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Twitch, Kick, Roblox, X, Reddit, YouTube, and Snapchat. The eSafety Commissioner, the Australian government agency responsible for overseeing online safety, is continuing to monitor the implementation of the age restrictions and assess their effectiveness. As of March 23, 2026, the eSafety Commissioner has not released a comprehensive report detailing the long-term impact of the ban.