Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s
Australia is about to ban kids under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
This is because many people think these platforms can be harmful to young people's mental health and safety.
Other countries like Denmark, Brazil, and Indonesia are also thinking about doing something similar.
Some people, like parents who have lost children to cyberbullying, support this idea.
But others, like tech companies and advocacy groups, worry that bans might not be the best solution.
They think teaching parents and kids how to use these platforms safely might work better.
Some countries are planning to make parents approve their kids' accounts instead of a complete ban.
There are also concerns about how the ban will be enforced and the potential impact on young people's digital skills and opportunities.
Australia will ban under-16s from using major social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram starting 10 December 2024.
Several countries, including Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, and Singapore, are considering similar age-based restrictions.
Tech firms like Meta, TikTok, and Snap have expressed concerns about the enforceability of such bans and potential unintended consequences.
The push for these bans gained momentum after concerns were raised about the impact of social media on children's mental health and safety.
Advocacy groups warn that stricter age limits may have unintended effects, particularly on LGBTQ youth who rely on online spaces for support.
- Who
- Governments of Australia, Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, Singapore, and tech firms like Meta, TikTok, and Snap
- What
- Potential bans on social media platforms for users under 16 (or 18 in some cases)
- When
- Australia's ban takes effect on 10 December 2024; other countries are considering similar measures
- Where
- Australia, Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, Singapore
- Why
- Concerns about cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and addictive design features of social media platforms
- Countries Considering Bans
- Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, Singapore
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Up to 49.5 million Australian dollars in fines
- Effective Date in Australia
- 10 December 2024
- Estimated Global Social Media Revenue
- 245 billion US dollars in 2025
- Key Influencer
- Jonathan Haidt’s book 'The Anxious Generation'
- Advocacy Group Concerns
- Potential unintended effects on LGBTQ youth and harmful content
- Meta’s Stance
- Parental tools and education are more effective than bans
- TikTok and Snap’s Concerns
- Difficulty in enforcement and potential push towards less regulated spaces
Sources
After Australia, here is a list of countries considering TikTok and Instagram bans for teens
Australian Woman Channels Grief Of Son's Death Into Social Media Ban
Amid Crackdown On Online Platforms, 1 Sector Booms: Selfie-Based Age Checks
Prove Age, Impose Penalties: How Australia Plans Its U-16 Social Media Ban
Australia is banning children under 16 from social media: Here’s what happens now