Australia bans social media for children under 16

Illustrative image of a teenager with a mobile phone. Photo: Getty Images

On 24 November 2025, the Australian government announced that starting 10 December, social media companies will be required to block access for users under 16, and existing accounts belonging to teenagers must be deleted or deactivated, the BBC reports.

Australia has become the first country to introduce such a ban. Authorities state that minors are exposed to harmful content and mental health risks online, and that the platforms themselves encourage excessive screen time, negatively affecting children’s well-being.

A government study showed that 96% of children aged 10–15 use social media, and seven out of ten have encountered dangerous content – from materials promoting misogyny and eating disorders to posts related to suicide and violence. Every seventh child reported grooming attempts by adults or older teenagers.

The ban will apply to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, X, YouTube, Reddit, as well as streaming services Kick and Twitch. The government says the list may be expanded based on the platform’s level of user interaction and content sharing.

Some services – including Roblox and Discord – have already begun implementing additional age-verification measures, fearing they may fall under the restrictions. Authorities emphasize that the new rules aim to create a safer digital environment for children and expect platforms to adopt technical solutions to prevent underage access.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Greece banned social media for users under the age of 16.

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