Australia has become the first country in the world to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, enforcing a law that requires major platforms to block underage users or face heavy fines. As of December 10, 2025, 10 large social media services—including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook—must deactivate accounts of users under 16 and prevent new registrations. Platforms that fail to comply risk fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million).
The legislation, aimed at protecting minors from online harms such as bullying, harmful content, and mental health risks, has drawn praise from parents and child safety advocates, though many technology firms and free-speech activists have raised concerns.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as a “profound reform” and encouraged young people to use their newfound offline time to engage in sports, reading, or hobbies instead of scrolling through feeds.
All major platforms have so far agreed to comply. Among them, X (formerly Twitter) said the law leaves them no choice but to restrict under-16 accounts. The ban sets Australia’s approach to online youth safety apart, and other governments around the world are reportedly watching closely to see whether they might adopt similar policies.
