Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Mixed Reactions

Australia has taken a bold step to protect its youth, enacting a world-first ban on social media for users under the age of 16. The move, described as a 'grand social experiment,' has sparked a global conversation on the role and regulation of social media in our societies.

The Ban in Action

The Australian government's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, passed in November 2024, began enforcement on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The law mandates that platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, Threads, and X, must remove accounts held by users under 16 years of age and bar them from registering new accounts. Any companies that fail to comply with the law could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a video statement, From December 10, if you're under 16, you're no longer allowed to have a social media account. You'll know better than anyone what it's like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that.

Reactions and Consequences

The measure, one of the most sweeping efforts in the world to safeguard children from potential harm on social media platforms, has been met with mixed reactions. While it has been welcomed by parents and child advocates, it has drawn criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates.

Children and teenagers in Australia have expressed concerns about feeling isolated and ignored due to the ban. Some have even taken to posting goodbye messages to their online audiences, using tags such as #seeyouwhenim16. There's also talk of a legal challenge from some teenagers who consider the ban an attack on their democratic rights.

Global Implications

The world is watching Australia's experiment closely, with other countries considering similar measures. France's President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his intention to ban social media for individuals under 15 or 16 years old, similar to what Australia has done. Meanwhile, education and health experts in Hong Kong have urged authorities to study the impact of social media on the city's teenagers and explore ways to tighten control over their internet usage.

The ban has also sparked debates in other countries, with people in Toronto and DC questioning if an Australian-style, under-16 social media ban would work in Canada and the US.

What Comes Next

Australia's bold step in regulating social media access for young people represents a significant move in the ongoing debate about online safety. The ban is a clear signal that governments are willing to take strong action to protect their citizens, particularly young people, from the potential harms of social media.

The world is now waiting to see the full impact of this ban and whether other countries will follow suit with similar laws. Despite the mixed reactions and criticism, the law signifies a new chapter in the global conversation about the role and regulation of social media in our societies.