Australia enforced a nationwide ban on social media for children aged 16 and under at midnight on 10 December, becoming the world’s first country to restrict youth access nationally.
The ban has become a historic national effort to address growing concerns about youth mental health and online safety. The law requires major platforms to block underage users, remove existing accounts, and prevent sign-ups, with penalties of up to AUD49.5 million for non-compliance.
The ban applies to 10 platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, X, and YouTube. The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s independent online safety regulator, said the measure seeks to reduce exposure to harmful content and design features that encourage excessive screen time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the law aims to protect and support families, calling it “a source of national pride”. “This will make an enormous difference. It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced,” Albanese said.
He added, “It’s a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world.”
Placing Australia at the forefront of testing how far age limits can go without hindering free expression or digital innovation, governments in New Zealand, Denmark, and Malaysia have signalled interest in reviewing or adapting Australia’s approach.
Social media companies have strongly criticised the ban. Snapchat called the measure misguided and warned it may push teenagers toward “less safe, less private” services. Meta argued that blanket bans isolate teens and fail to offer consistent protection across different apps, suggesting legislation that allows parents, not governments, to decide which apps their children can access.
Online safety experts also expressed mixed views. Dan Donahoo of Project Rockit said the ban reflects a growing consensus that children need stronger protections but questioned whether it will ultimately work.
While the Australian ban includes exemptions for certain messaging, gaming, and professional networking apps, its implementation marks a significant experiment in national-level regulation of children’s digital access.
