Australia Implements First Nationwide Youth Social Media Ban
Millions of children across Australia will lose access to their social media accounts as a new law takes effect restricting users under 16 from using major platforms. Officials say the policy is intended to reduce exposure to harmful online behavior, including predatory contact, algorithm-driven addiction, and digital bullying.
The measure, the first of its kind at the national level, is being monitored globally as governments debate how to address the impact of social media on minors.
Ten major platforms are covered under the ban, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch, and X. Most companies say they will follow the new requirements, though some disagree with the policy’s overall effectiveness.
Under the law, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to verify user ages, deactivate accounts held by under-16s, and prevent new underage accounts from being created. Companies that fail to do so could face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
How Social Media Companies Are Responding
Several companies have outlined how they will remove or restrict underage accounts.
Snapchat
Snapchat plans to suspend accounts used by under-16s for three years or until the user becomes eligible.
YouTube
YouTube will automatically sign out account holders identified as underage beginning December 10. Channels will be hidden but preserved so users can reactivate them when they turn 16. Children can still watch videos without logging in.
TikTok
TikTok says all under-16 accounts will be deactivated on December 10. The company plans to use age-verification technology that evaluates who is actually using the account, regardless of email address or listed name. Videos posted by affected users will no longer be visible.
Twitch
Twitch will block new under-16 registrations starting December 10. Existing underage accounts will be deactivated on January 9.
Meta: Facebook, Instagram, Threads
Meta began removing under-16 accounts on December 4. Users were invited to download their data and can regain access after turning 16.
Reddit will suspend accounts tied to under-16 users and restrict the creation of new ones.
X
X has expressed strong opposition to the law and has not detailed how it intends to comply.
Kick
Kick has not issued a public response.
Which Platforms Are Not Included?
Several platforms are not covered by the ban at this stage. These include Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.
Roblox’s exemption has attracted attention because of past reports of adults attempting to contact minors within the platform. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says Roblox is introducing new controls with age verification for chat features and age-based communication limits.
How Age Verification Works
Platforms already collect user birthdays, but the new law requires active verification. Companies may use live video selfies, email records, or official documents to confirm age.
A government trial earlier this year concluded that age checks could be implemented without compromising user privacy. Many platforms use facial analysis from short video recordings to estimate age, a method adopted by several major services.
How Young Users Are Reacting
Some teens are already looking for unregulated alternatives. Yope, a photo-sharing platform, reports a surge of new Australian users. Lemon8, owned by the same parent company as TikTok, has also gained attention as a backup option.
Regulators have warned that these platforms may be subject to later restrictions. Yope says the ban does not apply to its service because it does not allow messaging with strangers, while Lemon8 has stated it will follow Australia’s requirements.
Support groups and counselors are watching closely, concerned that banned users may migrate to less monitored digital spaces.
What Comes Next?
Officials say part of the goal is to encourage children to spend more time offline. Metrics under review will include sleep, physical activity, reading habits, and overall well-being. Analysts will also track whether minors shift to less-safe corners of the internet.
The eSafety Commissioner will collaborate with researchers from Stanford University to monitor outcomes and publish findings. An independent advisory group of academics from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom will oversee the broader evaluation.
Stanford researchers say the results could assist other countries considering similar policies.
Related Coverage
Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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