Australia enforces world-first social media ban for under-16s

Australia has officially implemented a landmark ban preventing anyone under the age of 16 from accessing social media, making it the first country in the world to enforce such sweeping restrictions. Millions of children and teenagers began losing access to their accounts from Wednesday as the law came into effect.

Major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch and TikTok were ordered to delete underage accounts and block new registrations by minors. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million, according to foreign media reports.

All listed platforms except X confirmed by Tuesday that they would follow the new rules. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the regulator had “recently had a conversation with X” about its compliance plan, but the company “had not communicated its policy to users”. Bluesky, despite being assessed as “low risk” due to having just 50,000 Australian users, also announced it would block under-16s.

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In preparation for the ban, many children reportedly spent recent weeks completing age-assurance checks, changing phone numbers, and bracing for the shutdown of their accounts.

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Global spotlight on Australia’s tough new approach

Under the legislation, ten major platforms were required to begin blocking under-16 access from midnight Wednesday or risk multi-million-dollar fines. The move has drawn criticism from technology companies and free-speech advocates, but it has been welcomed by many parents and child-safety groups. The world is now watching closely, as other countries consider similar actions amid growing concerns over social media’s impact on young users.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban was intended to “support young Australians” and reduce the pressures created by algorithm-driven content feeds.

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“Make the most of the school holidays coming up. Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf,” he said.

“And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face.”