Australia's Teen Social Media Ban Flops: 85% Still Online
Australia's Teen Social Media Ban Flops: 85% Still Online
Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for under-16s isn't working, with 85% still logging on. Experts call for new strategies as UK considers similar laws. #SocialMediaBan
Australia’s pioneering ban on social media for children under 16 appears to be largely ineffective, with a new study revealing that a staggering 85% of young people continue to use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X despite the legislation. The law, which came into force in December 2025, aimed to protect minors from online harm by prohibiting them from holding accounts on major social media sites.
The observational study, conducted by the University of Newcastle and involving 408 12- to 17-year-olds, found "limited implementation, incomplete compliance, and substantial circumvention of social media restrictions." Researchers concluded that there was "insufficient evidence to conclude that exposure to the act had any early substantial effects on social media use among adolescents aged under 16 years." This indicates that simply legislating a ban may not be enough to curb children’s online activities.
Experts and campaigners are now emphasizing that a more "convincing strategy is required" to genuinely safeguard children online. They argue that the findings, published in the BMJ, highlight the complexities of enforcing digital age restrictions and the need for comprehensive approaches beyond mere prohibitions.
The Australian experience carries significant implications for other nations contemplating similar measures. The United Kingdom, for instance, is set to introduce its own social media ban by 2027, targeting under-16s on platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Facebook. The UK’s proposed law would also restrict livestreaming and communication with strangers on gaming sites like Roblox. The challenges faced by Australia could provide crucial lessons for policymakers globally as they grapple with the urgent issue of youth online safety.
This research underscores the difficulty of regulating online spaces and the inventive ways young people find to bypass restrictions. It calls into question whether legal bans alone can truly protect children in an increasingly digital world, suggesting that parental involvement, educational initiatives, and platform accountability might be equally, if not more, vital.
