Under-16s go offline: Teens react to Australia’s social media ban

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From left to right: Teenagers Diya Pillar, Khadija Salman, Heba Mirzai and Gurman Grewal share their views on Australia’s recent social media ban and how their peers perceive it. Source: SBS / SBS Hindi

The social media ban is now in effect, but how are the teenagers responding? With loopholes already emerging, including faking ages or switching devices, young Australians are divided over whether the move will truly help reclaim childhood. We hear from four teenagers, joined by Melbourne-based teacher Shally Khanna, as they debate who really benefits from the ban and how they plan to navigate the new rules.

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Published 10 December 2025 5:05pm

Presented by Bhavya Pandey

Source: SBS

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The social media ban is now in effect, but how are the teenagers responding? With loopholes already emerging, including faking ages or switching devices, young Australians are divided over whether the move will truly help reclaim childhood. We hear from four teenagers, joined by Melbourne-based teacher Shally Khanna, as they debate who really benefits from the ban and how they plan to navigate the new rules.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are that of the interviewees. SBS neither agrees nor disagrees with their views.

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