Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16 — Millions of Accounts Shut Down

Canberra: In a historic and unprecedented move, Australia has become the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under 16. Beginning 10 December, minors across the country are losing access to their accounts as the new law comes into force, leaving millions of young users stunned.

According to a CNN report, this is the strictest social media regulation ever imposed globally, aimed at protecting children from addictive algorithms, online fraud, and cyberbullying. Lawmakers across the world are watching Australia closely, considering similar measures for their own countries.

10 Major Platforms Banned

The ban covers ten widely used platforms, including:
Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kik, Reddit, Twitch, and X (formerly Twitter).

These companies are required to enforce strict age-verification checks and automatically deactivate accounts belonging to children under 16. Platforms have announced that they will deploy advanced age-detection technologies, including facial data analysis through video selfies, to identify underage users.

“Families Taking Power Back,” Says PM Albanese

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a “proud day for Australia,” stating:
“This is the day Australian families take back their power from big tech. We are securing children’s right to a real childhood and giving parents peace of mind.”

He acknowledged that implementing the ban would not be easy, but emphasized that protecting children’s mental health and safety is a national priority.

What the New Law Requires

Under the legislation, social media companies must:

• Prove that they have actively blocked underage accounts
• Prevent children under 16 from creating new accounts
• Introduce reliable age-verification systems

Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (USD 32 million).

Platforms have begun taking action:

• TikTok confirmed that all accounts belonging to under-16 users would be deactivated from 10 December.
• Twitch announced that minors in Australia would no longer be able to create new accounts.

Platforms Not Covered by the Ban

Interestingly, several platforms have not been included in the ban. These include:
Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, Lego Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam, Steam Chat, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.

Exempting Roblox — a highly popular gaming platform among children — has drawn criticism, with many calling the decision inconsistent.

How Children Are Reacting

The ban has sparked frustration among teenagers, many of whom are searching for alternative platforms that are still allowed. The government has indicated that the list of banned platforms may expand over time as trends evolve and new services emerge.

The broader objective is to shift children’s focus from online activities to real-world engagement. The eSafety Commissioner said the government would monitor indicators such as:

• Improved sleep patterns
• Increased social interactions
• Lower antidepressant use
• More reading
• Greater participation in outdoor activities

What Happens Next?

A team of six experts from Stanford University’s Social Media Lab will collaborate with Australia’s eSafety Commission to assess the long-term impact of the ban. An independent advisory group comprising 11 academics from the US, UK, and Australia will supervise the evaluation process.

Stanford University stated that global researchers are watching Australia’s model closely, adding:
“We expect these findings will directly inform policy decisions for countries seeking to enhance online safety for children.”