Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media
Australia is going to stop kids under 16 from using big social media sites like Facebook and TikTok.
This rule starts on December 10.
The government wants to keep young people safe online.
Social media companies will have to check ages and remove young users.
They can use things like video selfies or ID cards to check ages.
If they don't follow the rules, they could get big fines.
Some teens might try to trick the system, but the government is working to make it hard for them.
Not all apps are included, but the list might change later.
Some experts worry that this ban might make teens feel lonely during the long school holidays, especially those who rely on social media for support.
Australia will ban under-16s from social media platforms starting December 10.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Kick, Twitch, and YouTube are affected.
Social media companies must verify ages and remove underage accounts, facing fines up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) for non-compliance.
Verification methods include video selfies and government-issued IDs.
The ban aims to protect adolescents from the harms of social media, though some teens may attempt to bypass restrictions.
- Who
- Australian government and social media platforms
- What
- Ban on under-16s from social media platforms
- When
- Starting December 10
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To protect adolescents from the harms of social media
- Ban Start Date
- December 10
- Platforms Affected
- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Kick, Twitch, YouTube
- Estimated Impacted Users
- 350,000 (Instagram alone)
- Verification Methods
- Video selfie, government-issued ID
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Up to A$49.5 million ($33 million)
Sources
How Australia plans to block under-16s from social media
Australia’s under-16 social media ban starts but teens say they will find ways around it
Christmas unplugged: Australian teen social media ban brings holiday headspace woes
Could Social Media Ban Instil Feelings of Loneliness in Teens? Mental Health Experts Weigh In
Australia’s teen social media ban kicks in from December 10: Five key points to know
