Australia bans social media for children under 16, becomes first country to do so

Australia bans social media for under-16s from Dec 10! Instagram, TikTok, YouTube to block millions of accounts parents cheer, tech giants protest. Could this global-first move reshape how teens use social media worldwide?

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 9 December 2025, 5:59 PM IST

The law will come into effect from 10th December 2025

Canberra, Australia: Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, a law that comes into effect from 10 December 2025. The landmark regulation, implemented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labour Party government, aims to protect children from the growing challenges posed by social media platforms.

Platforms Impacted and Enforcement

The ban will affect major social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which will be required to block accounts of users under 16 in Australia.

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Failure to comply could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) per platform. Authorities estimate that over a million accounts will need to be blocked immediately to comply with the new law. 

Balancing Child Safety and Free Speech

While the move has been welcomed by parents and child welfare advocates, major technology companies and social media platforms have criticised the ban. They argue that it suppresses free speech and the digital rights of children.

Responding to these concerns, Prime Minister Albanese said, “It isn’t fullproof, but it is a crucial step in the right direction to protect children in the digital age.”

Global Attention and Influence

The ban has drawn international attention, with leaders looking to Australia’s approach as a possible model. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at the UN General Assembly, said, “We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you. It is up to us to step up for the next generation.” Experts predict that Australia’s move may trigger a global wave of regulation aimed at young social media users.

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Research and Rationale

The law, passed in November 2024, raises the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16. The government cited research showing that excessive social media use can harm mental health, expose young teens to bullying, misinformation, and harmful depictions, and disrupt critical stages of their development.

Prime Minister Albanese described the legislation as a sensible but overdue step to safeguard children’s well-being in the digital era.