Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia is making a big change by banning social media for kids under 16.
Starting December 10, 2024, children in Australia won't be able to create or keep accounts on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The government says this will help kids spend less time on screens and stay safe from harmful content.
If social media companies don't follow the rules, they could be fined up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Other countries like the UK, Norway, and Denmark are also looking at similar rules.
The European Union is working on an age-verification app, and tech companies already have a minimum age of 13 for their platforms.
This move is being watched closely around the world.
However, teens are finding ways around the ban, such as using their parents' accounts, fake IDs, or even photos of pets to trick the age verification systems.
Australia has enforced a nationwide ban on social media for kids under 16 starting December 10, 2024.
The ban includes platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars for non-compliance.
Teens are finding workarounds, such as using parents' accounts, fake IDs, or photos of pets to bypass age verification.
Experts warn that facial recognition and age verification systems are imperfect, allowing some teens to access platforms despite the ban.
Other countries, including the UK, Norway, Denmark, and the EU, are considering or implementing similar age restrictions.
- Who
- Australian government and other countries considering similar measures
- What
- A nationwide prohibition on social media use for kids under 16
- When
- Starting December 10, 2024
- Where
- Australia, with global implications
- Why
- To reduce screen time and protect children from harmful content
Supporters of the Ban
Opponents of the Ban
Impact on Children
Supporters of the Ban
The ban will reduce exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying, protecting children's mental health.
Opponents of the Ban
The ban may make children less aware of current events and global issues, limiting their awareness.
- Effective Date
- December 10, 2024
- Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (US$32 million)
- Countries Considering Similar Measures
- United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and the European Union
- Tech Companies' Minimum Age
- 13 years (TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat)
- EU Proposed Minimum Age
- 16 years (for social media)
- EU Proposed Digital Age Limit
- 13 years (for video-sharing services and AI companions)
- Age-Verification Systems
- ID checks, regular audits, and compulsory reporting of how they identify users below the age of 16.
- Excluded Platforms
- YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp
Sources
In Graphics | Why does Australia want to cut off children from social media?
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