🇦🇺 Australia’s World-First Under-16 Social Media Ban Begins: Millions Lose Accounts – Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia has officially launched its new social media age rule, banning users under 16 from using major platforms. Starting December 10, 2025, apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick began removing or disabling accounts belonging to under-16 users.
This is the first national law of its kind in the world, and it has triggered millions of account deletions, identity checks, confusion, and mixed reactions from families.
🚫 What Does the Ban Mean?
Under the new law:
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Anyone below 16 cannot use social platforms
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Existing accounts must be removed
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New account registration for under-16s is blocked
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Platforms face $49.5 million fines if they don’t comply
While most tech companies complied, X (formerly Twitter) delayed communication about its policies.
Bluesky, despite being “low risk,” also confirmed an under-16 ban.
📱 How Verification Is Working
Australia is relying on facial-age checks and third-party verification tools.
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K-ID, one of the top verification providers, ran hundreds of thousands of age checks.
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Snapchat and others integrated the system.
But the rollout wasn’t smooth:
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Some under-16s were mistakenly passed as 18
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Others were locked out even though their friends stayed online
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Government admits it won’t be perfect at launch
👨👩👧 Reactions from Parents & Teens
Responses are sharply divided.
😢 Some teens feel socially cut off
One parent said their 15-year-old daughter fears being isolated since friends passed verification, but she didn’t.
🛑 Others are learning to bypass
One father revealed:
“I’ve shown her how VPNs work and helped bypass YouTube and TikTok.”
👍 Some parents support the change
One shared:
“She was addicted. The ban gives us a proper framework to control usage.”
🏛 What the Government Says
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the policy:
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It won’t be perfect “from day on.e.”
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But it sets a clear national standard
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Similar to legal drinking age rules
Polls show over 65% of voters support raising the minimum age to 16.
🌏 Global Response
Countries like Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and even the EU are now considering similar bans. The UK has also started monitoring Australia’s approach closely.
📊 What Happens Next?
The eSafety Commissioner will:
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Track how many under-16 accounts platforms have been removed
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Check how companies prevent VPN circumvention
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Investigate unintended consequences
Studies will look at:
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Mental health
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Sleep patterns
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Sports participation
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Academic performance
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Whether kids move to the darker corners of the internet
⚠️ A Rising Concern: Public Sharing of Phone Numbers
To stay connected ahead of shutdowns, many teens publicly posted their phone numbers on Snapchat.
Snapchat warned against this for safety reasons.
🧭 Final Takeaway
Australia has taken a bold but controversial step. While it may protect younger users from excessive screen time and mental health issues, it also raises:
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Safety concerns
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Social isolation fears
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Potential for VPN loopholes
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Questions about online freedom
The true impact will only emerge over time.
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