Australia is preparing to introduce one of the world’s strictest social media policies for children, with a nationwide ban that begins on Wednesday. Major platforms have already begun restricting access as part of the rollout. Meta has started locking users under 16 out of Instagram and Facebook while conducting age checks, and other platforms are notifying underage users to save their photos and contacts before choosing whether to delete their accounts or freeze them until they turn 16.
The ban applies widely, covering TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, Threads and X.
How will the ban affect content creators and young influencers?
In Umina on the New South Wales coast, teenage skateboarders Vespa Eding and Indy Conwell share skating clips and coach younger athletes. Their accounts are managed by their mothers, and they work with sponsors who rely on their online presence.
Indy said the new rules will have mixed effects on her life. “I see both sides to it,” she explained. “It’s sad because I’m probably going to lose my account that I use to contact my sponsors and do my business.” She added that she also understands the reasons behind it. “But I think it’s a good idea [to ban it] for people getting bullied or if they’re getting addicted to it.”
Many families across Australia have expressed similar concerns, noting the pressure and harmful experiences some teenagers face online. Lawyer and mother Emma Mason has spoken publicly about the emotional and mental toll that social media can create for young people. Her advocacy for stronger protections has contributed to broader national conversations about youth safety.
Psychologist Danielle Einstein, co-author of Raising Anxiety, also supports measures that help young people reduce pressure and stay connected to the people who matter most. “Now is the time to get contact numbers and to see who your good friends are,” Dr Einstein said. “Who are the people you have fun with and who are the people you talk to when things aren’t going well.” Messaging services will still be available to teenagers even after the ban begins.
How are teens preparing for life off social platforms?
At Brigidine College in Sydney, students are getting ready for the change. Sophia Benson said she understands both the benefits and the challenges involved. “I’m on the fence about it. I think it’s good for kids’ mental health. But I also think it encourages the younger generation to find ways around it because obviously if you’re told you can’t do something, you want to do it more.”
Another student, 15-year-old Elsie Ord, said she has been on social media since she was very young. Losing access will be a major shift in her routine. “I signed up at such a young age I was already using fake ages,” she said. “I’m on social media around eight hours a day. I don’t know how I’m going to cope. I’m one of the people thinking how am I going to escape this, but it’s inevitable.”
Australia’s internet regulator estimates that 96% of children under 16 currently have at least one social media account. The government argues that the new age restriction is necessary to protect children from addiction, cyberbullying and other online harms.
However, the ban has sparked significant opposition. NSW MP and Libertarian Party member John Riddick, who leads the Digital Freedom Project, believes the decision should be in the hands of parents rather than the government. “Kids are tech savvy. You say ‘you can’t do this, and you can’t do that’ and you’re going to play whack-a-mole, the kids are going to get around it,” he argued.
The government has said it may expand the list of restricted apps as the policy continues to evolve.
By Lucky Anyanje