Australia's Social Media Ban

Australia introduced a social media ban for under-16s in December 2025. The goal of this ban is to limit teens' social media use and keep them safe online. However, new research shows that some teens are still accessing social media apps.

Research Findings

A study by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of 12-15 year olds in Australia, who had social media accounts before the ban, still have access to one or more accounts. This study included 1,050 children.

Details of the Ban

The law does not punish parents or children for breaking the ban. Instead, social media companies could face fines of up to $25 million for serious or repeated breaches.

What Teens Think

The study also found that half of the teens who used social media before the ban think it has had no effect on their online safety.

Other Countries

Other countries are taking similar steps to control social media use among teens. In the UK, the government has started a consultation process on a social media ban. They are also conducting an experiment where 300 students will limit their social media use for six weeks.

Did You Know?

Social media companies are taking various measures to keep teens safe online. However, whether these measures are enough is still being debated.

Conclusion

Australia's social media ban is a step towards keeping teens safe online. However, whether the ban is effective is still being debated. Other countries are taking similar steps. Keeping teens safe online is everyone's responsibility.