Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media
Australia is going to ban kids under 16 from using popular social media sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram starting December 10.
YouTube says this ban won't make kids safer and might actually make them less safe.
They think kids should be protected while using the internet, not kept away from it.
The Australian government says social media can be dangerous for kids, but YouTube argues that the new rules don't understand how kids use their platform.
Some people are even trying to stop the ban in court, saying it's unfair and limits free speech.
YouTube will automatically sign out kids under 16 and save their accounts until they turn 16.
The government admits the ban might not be perfect at first, but companies that don't follow the rules could face big fines.
Australia will ban under-16s from social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok starting December 10.
YouTube criticizes the ban, stating it will make kids less safe and is based on a misunderstanding of their platform.
Underage users will be automatically signed out and lose access to many features, but their accounts will be archived for reactivation at 16.
The Australian government aims to protect children from online predators and other dangers but acknowledges the ban may not be perfect initially.
Meta has already started deactivating accounts of underage users, and a legal challenge has been launched against the ban.
- Who
- Australian Government, YouTube, Digital Freedom Project
- What
- Ban on social media for under-16s
- When
- Starting December 10
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To protect children from online predators, peer pressure, and other dangers
- Ban Start Date
- December 10
- Affected Platforms
- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
- Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Not specified
- YouTube's Response
- Automatic sign-out for under-16s, account archiving
- Legal Challenge
- Digital Freedom Project's High Court challenge
- Government's Stance
- Concerns about predatory algorithms and online safety
- YouTube's Stance
- Believes in protecting kids in the digital world, not from it
Sources
YouTube Says Children To Be "Less Safe" Under Australia Social Media Ban
YouTube says it will comply with Australia’s teen social media ban
YouTube pushes back as Australia move ahead with under-19 social media ban
Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how
