Name: Australias under-16s forced offline by social media ban
Uploaded: 2025-12-10T01:03:28.907Z
Duration: 2 min 22 s
Description: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok will have to block more than a million under-16 accounts as Australia becomes the first country to ban social media for minors. DW finds out what Australians have to say.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok will have to block more than a million under-16 accounts as Australia becomes the first country to ban social media for minors. DW finds out what Australians have to say.

Canberra

Australia has introduced a new law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The government states that the measure aims to protect young people from the pressures and potential harms of online environments, and most parents reportedly support the ban.

The law is facing opposition from technology companies, free speech advocates, and some teenagers, who argue it unfairly targets youth and may not effectively address issues like cyberbullying. Social media companies that fail to comply risk significant fines, and several other countries are monitoring Australia's approach as they consider similar regulations.

Australia's under-16s forced offline by social media ban

Australian kids enjoying their last days of social media. In recent days, users under 16 received messages like this. When they turn 16, according to the new law, they'll have access again. Australia's Prime Minister told his country's teens the measure is for their own good. You'll know better than anyone what it's like growing up with algorithms, endless speeds and the pressure that can come with that. That's why we've taken this step to support you. Australia is the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use. The government says the overwhelming majority of parents favour a ban on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms for under 16s. Social media platforms that fail to screen kids out face hefty fines. Daniela Vecchio is a doctor who heads a clinic specialising in screen use disorders. She says the ban is an important step. The tech companies and free speech advocates have pushed back and legal challenges are in the works. And many teenagers, the ones who will actually be affected, say the law singles them out unfairly. They don't realise how much of our life is actually on social media and I think they just have to realise that it's a different world that they grew up in compared to us. When it comes like cyberbullying and stuff, like it's not going to solve those kinds of issues. Kids are going to still go on it. Kids are still going to get cyberbullied. I think it'll have a pretty good impact, get me off my screen a bit, which is actually really good. The rest of the world is watching with countries from Denmark to Malaysia and even some US states considering similar bans.

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