Strengthening Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children

In December, Australia introduced a pioneering law that prohibited children under the age of 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. The intention was to shield minors from harmful content, excessive screen time, and the mental‑health risks associated with unsupervised online activity.

Within months, evidence emerged that the ban was not being enforced effectively. Data released by the eSafety Commissioner showed that seven in ten under‑age children continued to hold active accounts on the restricted platforms. A British Medical Journal study reinforced these findings, reporting that 85 % of Australian 12‑ to 17‑year‑olds were still using the platforms despite the legislation. Young people have also found creative ways to skirt the ban, using family accounts, false birth dates and alternative services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the shortcomings and announced a priority effort to make the laws as strong as possible. He emphasized that this generation faces digital challenges that previous generations did not, and that the government must act to protect them. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman‑Grant, is reviewing whether the regulator has “every power at her disposal” and is considering court actions against platforms that fail to remove under‑age accounts.

Enforcement measures under review include significantly higher fines—up to 49.5 million Australian dollars—for platforms that do not take reasonable steps to block children. The government also plans to introduce a digital duty of care framework, which would hold companies accountable for foreseeable harms caused by their content and algorithms. This aligns with similar moves in the United Kingdom, where a ban for under‑16 users has also been announced.

Experts such as RMIT University’s Lisa Given and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman‑Grant stress that stronger legislation alone will not solve the problem. They argue that regulators need better tools, resources, and clear legal authority to enforce compliance. Public sentiment appears mixed; many teenagers view the ban as ineffective, while parents and child‑welfare advocates support tougher measures to ensure a safer online environment.

Australia’s experience illustrates the global challenge of regulating youth access to social media. While the country was the first to enact a comprehensive ban, the rapid evolution of digital platforms and the ingenuity of young users demand continuous policy adaptation. Strengthening the law, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering digital literacy are essential steps toward safeguarding children’s mental health and well‑being in the digital age.