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

Australia’s nationwide ban preventing children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms has officially taken effect, beginning at midnight in Sydney.

The law was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday.

The restriction applies to more than five million Australians under 16 years of age, including one million aged between 10 and 15, according to the country’s bureau of statistics.

The ban covers platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch.

Other online services, including YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and messaging apps like WhatsApp, remain accessible to children.

Under the new law, social media companies are responsible for blocking underage users from their platforms.

The government has said companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to prevent access will face penalties of up to $49.5 million.

Authorities added that the list of restricted platforms will be reviewed periodically.

In November 2024, the Australian government pledged to introduce what it described as “world-leading” legislation to ban minors from using social media.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lamented that social media “is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time on it”.