'Protection or limitation?': Gen Z weighs in on Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s

Children using tablets. Credit: Helena Lopes from Pexels

Starting 10 December 2025, Australia will implement a major shift in the digital landscape with a new law banning social media accounts for users under 16. While the government strengthens rules and tech companies ramp up protections, opinions among young Australians are mixed.

Sydney-based youth shared that the law brings a mix of benefits and challenges for their online and social lives.
eSafety initially reached out to several social media companies to determine if they would need to follow the under-16 ban, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X/Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, Roblox, Reddit, and Discord.
In line with the new guidelines, Instagram announced the expansion of its AI-powered teen safety measures in Australia.
Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million.

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