As of December 10, 2025, Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for children under 16, marking the world's first nationwide restriction of its kind. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Twitch, and Kick are required to prevent new account creations and deactivate existing ones for underage users in the country. This move affects an estimated one million or more young users, who are now facing account suspensions as companies comply with the new regulations.

The legislation, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, aims to safeguard teenagers from cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and associated mental health risks. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who announced the plan in September 2024, emphasized the government's commitment to youth protection during the bill's passage on November 28, 2024. "We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs," Albanese stated at the time.

Under the law, social media companies face substantial penalties for non-compliance, with fines up to AUD 50 million (approximately USD 32 million). Notably, no punishments are imposed on parents or children who attempt to circumvent the ban. Platforms have been given a one-year grace period to fully implement age verification systems, but immediate actions, such as account suspensions, are already underway as the effective date arrives.

While the ban has been welcomed by many parents and child welfare advocates for promoting safer online environments, it has drawn criticism from tech firms and human rights groups. Companies argue that the restrictions could limit freedom of expression and prove difficult to enforce effectively, while organizations like Amnesty International have called it an "ineffective quick-fix" that may not adequately address online harms and could drive underage users to unregulated alternatives. Recent public discourse on platforms like X reflects mixed reactions, with some users praising the measure for encouraging outdoor activities and others questioning its global implications or feasibility.

The Australian eSafety Commissioner will oversee enforcement, providing guidance to families on alternative communication tools and online safety. As the ban unfolds, it is being closely monitored internationally as a potential model—or cautionary tale—for similar policies elsewhere.