Australia introduced a ban in December 2025 prohibiting children under 16 from using platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. A new study published in the British Medical Journal surveyed 408 Australian youths aged 12 to 17 before and three months after the ban and found little reduction in social media use [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Approximately 85% of 12-15 year olds continued to use social media despite the restrictions [2, 3, 4, 5].

The study highlighted widespread circumvention techniques: about two-thirds of under-16 users lied about their age or passed verification by uploading selfies [2, 3, 4, 5]. Between 15-19% accessed platforms with fake accounts, 9-29% used someone else's account, and around 11% employed private or incognito browser modes to evade the ban [1, 3]. Social media use remained steady for 12-13 year olds, slightly decreased for 14-15 year olds, but increased among those over 16 after the ban [1, 3].

Dr. Amrit Kaur Purba from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said, "What these figures collectively describe is a partially implemented policy, one in which the mechanism intended to restrict access was not reliably activated" [3].

The Australian government criticized major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube in March 2026 for failing to comply fully with age restrictions [1]. Companies argue they comply with the law but warn the ban could push youths to less regulated and potentially harmful online spaces [1]. Meanwhile, Reddit is currently challenging the law in court [4].

Officials may fine tech companies up to AUD 49.5 million (around SGD 44.3 million) for violations [1, 5]. On June 26, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to "ensure the laws are strong and give our regulators sufficient powers to enforce their tasks effectively" [2, 4, 5].

Australia’s social media age ban, a global first, has drawn interest from countries including the UK, France, Spain, Norway, Indonesia, the UAE, and New Zealand, which are considering similar measures [1, 4, 5].

The next step involves the government strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement efforts to improve compliance with the ban, as announced by Prime Minister Albanese today [2, 4, 5].