Australia’s under-16 social media ban failing, study shows: What it means

What the report says

Australia’s internet regulator says the country’s landmark ban on social media use by children under 16 is not keeping most teens off the platforms. In a new study cited by Al Jazeera, eSafety found that more than eight in 10 Australian under-16s were still using social media, despite the restriction that took effect in December 2025. The report said many young users were able to keep existing accounts or open new ones, often because platforms did not effectively verify age.

The findings suggest limited change in online habits since the law began. According to the regulator, the share of 10- to 15-year-olds using at least one age-restricted platform stayed above 81 percent three months after the ban, only slightly below the pre-ban level. Daily use also remained high. The report noted that other parts of children’s routines, such as time with friends and family, sports, and cultural activities, showed little change.

Australia became the first country to impose a broad under-16 social media ban, with the government arguing it was needed to address cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content. Platforms can face large fines if they do not take reasonable steps to block underage users. Officials said millions of accounts have been removed, but the latest report indicates that enforcement remains difficult.

The government defended the law after the study, saying it has changed the national debate and remains important even if compliance is incomplete. The article also notes that other countries, including the UK, Denmark, Malaysia and Greece, are considering similar restrictions.