Australia | December 9, 2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban for Under-16s:
Australia has officially enforced a groundbreaking law banning children under the age of 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms, a move that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says will help ensure that young people have a safer and healthier childhood.
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PM Albanese: ‘A Cultural Change Australia Needs’
In a letter to leaders of Australia’s states and territories on Tuesday, Albanese thanked them for supporting the reform, which takes effect from Wednesday. He acknowledged that the law will require adjustment but called it a necessary step.
> “This is the cultural change Australia needs to deliver greater peace of mind for parents and ensure Australian children have a childhood,” he wrote.
The legislation, passed in November 2024, requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s from creating accounts.
Why the Ban Was Introduced
The Australian government says the decision aims to reduce harmful effects of social media’s addictive features, including infinite scrolling, targeted content and algorithm-driven pressure.
A government-commissioned study released earlier in 2025 found:
96% of children aged 10–15 used social media
70% had been exposed to harmful content
including misogynistic, violent, self-harm and eating-disorder content
The findings prompted a push for stronger online safety policies.
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Platforms Required to Enforce the Ban
So far, 10 major platforms have been directed to comply: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X (Twitter), YouTube, Kick and Reddit
The government may update the list as needed based on emerging trends and platforms popular with young users.
Platforms that seriously or repeatedly breach the rules could face penalties of up to:
49.5 million Australian dollars (USD $32.8 million)
The responsibility for compliance rests entirely with social media companies — neither children nor parents will be penalised for violations.
Schools and Public Messaging
In a video message that will be played in schools across Australia, Albanese said the change supports children growing up surrounded by digital pressure and endless algorithm-driven feeds.
Authorities acknowledge that age-verification technology may take time to fully detect underage accounts, but say the reforms signal a long-term safety shift.
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