Name: Clock ticks on under-16 social media ban across Australia
Uploaded: 2025-12-09T06:29:11.830Z
Duration: 2 min 37 s
Description: The Australian government will block under-16s from accessing major social media platforms in an effort to protect young people from online harm. The policy has sparked debate among parents and tech companies.

The Australian government will block under-16s from accessing major social media platforms in an effort to protect young people from online harm. The policy has sparked debate among parents and tech companies.

Canberra

The Australian government is set to implement a ban preventing individuals under the age of 16 from signing up for or maintaining accounts on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, TikTok, and YouTube. The move is intended to protect minors from online abuse, exposure to harmful content, and excessive screen time, with platforms facing fines of up to $50 million for non-compliance.

The policy has received mixed reactions, with some parents and advocacy groups supporting the measure as a step toward safeguarding children, while others express concern about potential isolation, particularly for rural youth. Certain platforms such as Pinterest, Messenger, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids are exempt from the restriction. Social media companies, including Snapchat, have indicated they will continue to challenge the decision and advocate for alternative verification methods.

Clock ticks on under-16 social media ban across Australia

The social media shutdown looms, under-16s are about to be blocked and division is still rife. I just don't think it should happen, like there's already age restrictions on the app store. I reckon they'll find some way to get around it, it might take them a while but they'll definitely find some way. You have to look at the science between brain development and capacity with people under that age, they just don't know how to handle it. For Brisbane mum Lauren Holland, it's a welcomed move. I'm actually really happy about it, there's been quite a few times where I've caught Chloe downstairs on a Saturday morning early watching YouTube and things that she probably shouldn't have been watching. We love social media and even our school has it which makes it really special at our school. The ban includes Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, TikTok and YouTube. Platforms immune to the age restriction include Pinterest, Messenger, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids. The restriction will prevent teens from signing up to or keeping an account. The Federal Government says it's aimed at protecting under-16s from online abuse, exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time. For the good of Lucy and Anya, for the good of Sam. It's a positive step forward for Dolly's Dream created in memory of 14-year-old Dolly Everett who died by suicide after relentless bullying and cyberbullying. But while it is a step in the right direction, we know that there's still more that needs to be done. Particularly for kids in remote areas. A lot of them are heading home from boarding school right now with eight weeks of school holidays ahead of them and there's no doubt that rural kids and their families are going to be concerned about the isolation that this will cause. The Prime Minister recorded his own message to teens. 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. The majority of platforms were dragged kicking and screaming to this decision and Snapchat says they're not done fighting. Our focus now shifts to supporting our community through this change. That said, we believe there are better options so we will continue to advocate for device level age verification. If platforms fail to take reasonable steps from preventing an under 16 from holding an account, they can face fines of up to $50 million. If you have questions, by all means reach out. Talk to your parents, your teachers and your friends. The logout is coming. Brendan Smith, 10 News.

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