Social Media Was Banned in Australia for Under-16s. 3 Months Later, More Than 85% Are Still Online

A recent study has revealed that a significant majority of Australian teenagers continue to engage with social media, even after the introduction of a law aimed at limiting access for those under 16. Conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, the study highlights that over 85% of adolescents aged between 12 and 17 had not ceased their social media usage three months following the implementation of the Social Media Minimum Age Act 2024.

The legislation, which came into effect in December 2025, prohibits children under the age of 16 from maintaining accounts on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. However, the findings suggest that the act has had little immediate impact on the online habits of young Australians. Researchers observed a sample of 408 adolescents and concluded there was “insufficient evidence” to indicate that the legislation had led to any significant reduction in social media usage within this demographic.

Efforts by teens to circumvent the ban have also been highlighted in the study, with some opting to create “fake” accounts or accessing platforms through private browsing. Despite the legal restrictions in place, the research indicated that daily usage patterns among young people remained “relatively stable.”

The report calls into question the effectiveness of the banning policy itself, stating that limited implementation and attempts to bypass restrictions were key factors in the ongoing high usage rates. The authors cautioned that it may take as long as a decade to fully ascertain the long-term effects of the Social Media Minimum Age Act.

The study’s findings come at a time of heightened global interest in regulating young people’s access to social media. In June, the UK announced plans to impose a similar ban on under-16s, which is expected to be enforced by spring 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhance child safety online, acknowledging the challenges faced by parents in safeguarding their children in an increasingly digital world.

As public opinion varies regarding such legislative measures, conversations surrounding a potential ban in the United States are ongoing. American teenagers express mixed feelings, with some recognising the educational benefits of social media, while others support the idea of restrictions to enhance safety. This divergence reflects a wider debate on the balance between freedom of expression and the need for protective measures in the digital arena.

In the UK, children’s charity Barnardo’s has welcomed the forthcoming legislation but emphasised the need for more robust age verification methods. CEO Lynn Perry remarked that while no safety measures are entirely failproof, the risk of young people bypassing age restrictions should not derail efforts to protect millions from harmful content. She called for social media companies to take accountability for ensuring their platforms are inherently safe for younger users.

Additionally, Chris Sherwood, head of the NSPCC, urged the UK government to learn from Australia’s experience with the ban. He expressed concern that a blanket prohibition alone would not fully safeguard children against online risks. Sherwood echoed the sentiment that the effectiveness of the UK ban will hinge on implementing stringent age verification practices to prevent access to restricted platforms.

As discussions around the appropriate age for social media access evolve globally, the challenges facing policymakers are clear. Ensuring the safety of children online is a complex issue that requires collaboration between governments, tech companies, and families. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on finding effective strategies to balance user safety with the benefits of social media engagement among younger generations.