Australia has become the first country to implement a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, with major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook required to block access to users below this age threshold. This pioneering move is aimed at protecting young Australians from the potential harms of social media, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and negative impacts on mental health.
The ban, which takes effect today, December 10, 2025, is expected to affect over a million Australian teenagers who currently use these platforms. Social media companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) if they fail to comply with the new law. While some teenagers have expressed concerns about losing touch with friends and being isolated from online communities, others welcome the ban as a measure to reduce social media’s toxic influence.
The Australian government acknowledges that the ban won’t be perfect and that tech-savvy teenagers may find ways to circumvent it. However, this move is seen as a significant step in regulating Big Tech and prioritizing children’s online safety. Other countries, including Denmark, Malaysia, and some US states, are closely watching Australia’s approach and considering similar measures.
