- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Australia is preparing to roll out a world-first ban on social media access for children aged 16 and under, with the landmark law set to take effect from December 10. Under the new measures, minors will be removed from platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and X. While the government insists the move aims to protect young Australians, critics argue the legislation remains incomplete and unenforceable.
The ban, made legally binding through the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, prevents children aged 16 and below from creating accounts on age-restricted platforms. Importantly, parents cannot provide consent on behalf of their children, closing a loophole commonly exploited by underage users.
Communications Minister Anika Wells says the move is not a blanket ban, but a “delay” that gives young people more time before entering the social media ecosystem. “There is no perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safe online,” she said in July. “But the minimum age laws will make a meaningful difference.”
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Concerns Over Enforcement
Despite strong rhetoric, Opposition communications spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh argues the policy is “set up to fail,” citing unresolved questions about verification, compliance and accountability. Industry experts also point out that tech giants have historically evaded regulatory pressure.
How It Will Work
Children and teens under 16 will still be able to view publicly available content without logging in. That means a 12-year-old could watch gaming videos on YouTube or browse public memes on Reddit. They will not be able to:
- Create accounts
- Comment
- Post videos or photos
- Join groups or chats
By keeping young users logged out, the government hopes to limit algorithm-driven addiction, intrusive notifications and the aggressive content-pushing systems designed to maximise screen time.
A report by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner revealed that four out of five children aged 8–12 used at least one social media platform in 2024. Many are exposed to violent content, self-harm imagery and cyberbullying before adolescence.
Communications Minister Wells accused platforms of weaponising engagement tools against minors. “Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control,” she warned. “We are merely asking they use that same technology to keep children safe.”