Australia Bans Under-16s From Social Media – BBC
Australia has introduced a world-first ban on social media for children under 16, BBC reports. Platforms including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, Kick and Twitch are affected. Under the new rules, under-16s cannot create new accounts, and existing accounts are being deactivated, according to BBC.
The Australian government says the ban aims to protect young people from harmful content and reduce the impact of social media’s addictive features, which can affect children’s health and wellbeing, BBC reports. A study commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96% of children aged 10-15 used social media, and most had seen content promoting violence, misogyny, eating disorders or suicide. BBC adds that one in seven children reported being groomed online, and over half experienced cyberbullying.
The ban does not include platforms like YouTube Kids, Google Classroom or WhatsApp, because they are not primarily for social interaction. Some critics argue the ban should also cover gaming sites like Roblox and Discord, BBC reports.
To enforce the ban, children and parents are not punished, but social media companies face fines up to A$49.5 million if they fail to comply. BBC explains that companies must use age verification technologies, such as government IDs, facial or voice recognition, or online behavior analysis, to prevent under-16s from signing up. Self-certification or parental vouching is not allowed.
BBC notes that platforms are responding differently: Meta has begun closing teen accounts, Snapchat allows verification via ID or selfie, and Reddit said it would comply but expressed concern about privacy and free expression. YouTube has argued it is not a social media platform, warning the ban may leave children less safe as they can still access content without an account.
Critics warn that age verification may block adults by mistake while failing to catch underage users. Teens may also bypass the ban using fake profiles, joint accounts with parents, or VPNs, BBC reports. Communications Minister Annika Wells admitted the ban may not be perfect, saying “it’s going to look a bit untidy on the way through,” but defended it as a major step in protecting children online, according to BBC.
From a unique perspective, BBC reporting shows that Australia is leading the world in trying to shield young people from online harm, but the move also raises privacy and practical challenges. Critics argue that teaching children to navigate social media safely could be more effective than outright bans.
Other countries are watching closely: Denmark plans to ban social media for under-15s, Norway is considering similar rules, and France and Spain are exploring age restrictions with parental oversight. BBC reports that the UK has also introduced strong safety rules, while attempts in the US, such as in Utah, have faced legal hurdles.
This landmark decision in Australia could set a global precedent for how governments balance child safety with digital freedom, according to BBC reporting.