Australia is set to become the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under 16, starting from December 10, 2025.


Government Guidelines for Social Media Platforms


Social media companies must use “minimally invasive” methods to check users’ ages.


Platforms can rely on AI and behavioral data to detect underage users instead of asking everyone to re-verify.


eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said:


“If platforms can target us with ads so precisely, they can also detect the age of a child.”





No Need for Adults to Re-Verify


The ban will mainly focus on identifying and deactivating underage accounts.


Adults will not face major changes to their accounts.



YouTube Also Included in the Ban


Initially, YouTube was exempt, but in July 2025, it was added to the list.


Now, the ban covers Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.



Why Did Australia Pass This Law?


A 2025 report revealed that 95% of teenagers aged 13–15 use at least one social media platform.


The government believes this is linked to the negative impact on young people’s mental health.



What Companies Must Do


Social media firms are required to:


Deactivate underage accounts.


Stop children from creating new accounts.


Provide users with a clear complaints process.



Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells stated:


“Platforms have the resources and technology to comply. There’s no excuse for inaction.”




When Does the Ban Start?


The law was passed in November 2024.


Companies were given one year to prepare.


The deadline is December 10, 2025 for full compliance.