Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s: Everything you need to know
Australia’s world-first social media ban is only days away. Here’s the answers to 54 of the most pressing questions parents are asking.
Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s is set to take effect in just days, aiming to curb the risks of early online exposure.
The sweeping restrictions will limit access to popular platforms for younger teens, with parents, teachers and tech experts weighing in on what it means for families.
Ahead of the ban, we answer 54 of the most pressing questions about the ban, from timelines and enforcement to safety and screen-time concerns.
Here is everything you need to know.
1. What is the Australian social media ban?
Australia’s Online Safety (Social Media Age Restrictions) Act 2025 will ban children under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and X.
2. Why is an age limit needed?
The government says it’s to protect young people from harms associated with social media use, such as anxiety, depression, body-image issues, bullying and exposure to adult or addictive content.
Supporters argue the platforms were never designed for young teens and collect large amounts of children’s data.
3. When does the ban start?
The laws take effect December 10, but Meta will begin removing 13–15-year-olds from Instagram, Facebook and Threads from December 4. TikTok and Snapchat will begin freezing or archiving underage accounts from mid-December.
4. Does the ban apply to existing accounts?
Yes. Platforms must identify and deactivate existing under-16 accounts, block new sign-ups and close off possible workarounds. They must also provide a review process for anyone incorrectly flagged.
5. Who enforces the law?
eSafety will monitor compliance and enforce the laws using its powers under the Online Safety Act.
WHAT’S BANNED AND WHAT’S NOT
6. What exactly counts as a “social media platform”?
Age-restricted platforms are those designed for social interaction — allowing users to post, comment, follow others or build networks.
Messaging apps, gaming platforms and education tools are excluded unless they add “social-media-style” features like public posting or livestreaming.
7. Which platforms are banned?
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick, Twitch and Reddit have all been classified as age-restricted.
8. Which platforms are not affected?
Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, YouTube Kids, Roblox, Steam, Google Classroom, GitHub and LEGO Play are not currently included.
9. Do I have to delete the apps from my child’s phone?
No, you don’t have to delete the apps from your child’s phone.
When the new age-restriction laws come into effect, social media platforms will automatically block or remove accounts belonging to under-16s.
The apps can stay on the phone, but your child won’t be able to use them without a verified-age account.
10. Is Lemonade social going to be included?
It’s not clear yet as eSafety hasn’t publicly listed Lemonade Social as an age-restricted platform, and inclusion depends on whether it primarily enables public social interaction, posting or feeds.
If the platform adds these features or grows in popularity, it could be reassessed and added to the ban.
11. Can this list of banned apps change?
Yes. eSafety says the list reflects its current view and may change before or after the law takes effect if platforms alter their features.
12. Is YouTube fully banned?
Standard YouTube requires an account to post, comment or subscribe.
However, kids can still watch public videos without being signed in.
13. Will gaming platforms like Roblox or Fortnite be blocked?
Not under the current rules, unless their social features expand into full social-media functionality.
14. What other apps might my child turn to that could still be harmful?
Even with the ban, kids may turn to platforms that aren’t covered, like Discord, Roblox, gaming chats (Steam), or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
These apps are still allowed, but they can expose children to bullying, strangers, inappropriate content, grooming risks, and unmoderated group chats.
HOW THE BAN WORKS
15. How will platforms enforce the ban?
They must take “reasonable steps” beyond self-declared age, including using behavioural data, device information and age-estimation technology.
16. What age verification will be required?
Platforms won’t verify every user, and government ID cannot be the only option. If flagged as under 16, a user may need to verify via a video selfie, secure third-party check or another approved method.
17. Will every Australian need an age check?
No. Only users who appear under 16 — or those trying to change their age — may be prompted.
18. What are the penalties for companies that don’t comply?
Platforms that don’t take “reasonable steps” face fines of up to $49.5 million.
19. What happens if underage people still access the sites?
There are no penalties for children. Enforcement applies only to the platforms.
20. What do tech companies actually need to do?
They must detect and block under-16s, deactivate existing accounts, close loopholes and offer a review process for wrongly flagged users.
WHAT HAPPENS TO TEEN ACCOUNTS
21. What happens to the posts and photos on under-16 accounts?
TikTok and Snapchat will freeze or archive teen accounts. Under-16s can download their posts, chats, photos and videos before losing access.
22. Can teens reactivate their accounts when they turn 16?
Some platforms may keep accounts deactivated rather than deleted so they can be restored later, but teens should save anything important before December 10.
23. Will kids lose their followers, drafts or DMs?
They may — it depends on the platform. Downloading data is recommended.
CAN KIDS GET AROUND THE BAN?
24. Can kids get around the restrictions by using a VPN?
Kids can possibly get around the ban as VPNs can mask a user’s location and make it appear as though they’re outside Australia.
But platforms are expected to detect suspicious activity via device data, GPS and known VPN IP ranges.
25. Will creating an account using a fake birthday still work?
Unlikely. Platforms must use more than self-declared age, including behavioural signals and age-estimation technology.
26. What about signing up with an overseas version of an app?
Platforms will use location signals like IP addresses and device settings to detect foreign sign-ups or VPN attempts.
27. Can kids use a parent’s account or shared device?
Not necessarily. If behaviour suggests the user is under 16, platforms can trigger an age check even on a shared family account.
28. Can under-16s still view social media without an account?
Yes. Public content — like open Facebook pages or YouTube videos — remains accessible without logging in.
29. Will messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger or Discord become loopholes?
Not at the moment because they’re classified as communication tools, not social media. If they introduce public posting or feed-style features, they could be reclassified.
30. Will accessing platforms via a web browser instead of the app bypass the ban?
No. The rules apply to the platform itself, not the app store.
31. Will using a shared school laptop help teens get around restrictions?
No. Account-level detection follows behaviour, not specific devices.
REPORTING, REVIEWS & COMPLIANCE
32. Can I report accounts being used by under-16s?
Yes. Platforms must allow reports of suspected underage accounts and request age reviews.
33. Can a teen appeal if they’re incorrectly blocked?
Yes. Platforms must provide a formal review process.
34. Are parents notified if their child is blocked?
Only if the parent is listed as the administrator of a supervised account.
35. Will tech companies face audits?
eSafety can request evidence, conduct investigations and issue penalties.
36. Will I get fined if I get around the ban?
No. Children and parents won’t be fined. The penalties apply only to social media companies that fail to enforce the law.
37. Will I still be able to be a “gamer”?
Gaming platforms like Roblox, Steam, Fortnite and Minecraft aren’t part of the ban unless they add full social-media features. Kids can still play games normally.
38. What if on December 10 I’m 14 and I can still log in to a restricted platform?
It likely means the platform hasn’t processed your account yet — but it will.
Companies must identify and remove under-16 accounts and may phase this in over days or weeks.
IMPACT ON FAMILIES
39. Where can I get help if my child is not coping with being off social media?
Support is available through Kids Helpline, eHeadspace and Beyond Blue. eSafety also provides an “I Need Help” directory for mental-health and online-safety support.
40. Will this increase conflict at home?
Experts say some short-term pushback is likely, but many families report improved sleep and reduced anxiety when social-media time drops.
41. What happens to young teens running small businesses or influencer accounts?
Under-16s operating business, creator or influencer accounts will have them deactivated.
42. Will this affect kids’ communication with friends?
They can still use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, which remain permitted.
43. What if I disagree with the ban and sign my child in — do I get fined?
No, parents won’t be fined. However, even if a parent allows access, platforms can still detect underage activity and suspend or age-check the account.
44. What should I say to my child if they’re crying because they can’t use social media anymore?
Experts suggest explaining the rule is nationwide, not a punishment, and focusing on alternative ways to stay connected — messaging
apps, group chats, gaming, or offline activities. Support services like Kids Helpline or eHeadspace can help if the distress continues.
SCHOOLS, WORK, AND DAILY LIFE
45. Will schools be required to enforce the ban?
No. Schools may educate students but enforcement rests with platforms.
46. Can kids still use social media for school projects?
Schools are expected to use alternatives like Google Classroom or Teams.
47. Can teens still rely on social media for news or emergency updates?
Yes. Public posts remain visible without logging in.
48. Will this impact part-time jobs that require social media?
Under-16s cannot run or manage social media accounts for work unless done through an adult-supervised business account.
DATA, PRIVACY & SAFETY
49. Can third-party age-verification companies store children’s data?
No. They must delete data after verification unless legally required to retain it.
50. Will platforms collect even more data on children?
They must minimise data collection — not increase it — under privacy rules.
51. Will advertising profiles for young teens be deleted?
Yes. Platforms must remove tracking profiles linked to under-16 accounts.
FUTURE CHANGES
52. Could the minimum age eventually rise to 18?
Possibly. Some policymakers have floated raising the age depending on early outcomes.
53. Will the ban push teens toward lesser-known or unsafe platforms?
eSafety says it will monitor emerging apps and can quickly classify new ones as restricted.
54. If the ban fails, will kids get to use social media again?
That will be up to the government. eSafety will review the rollout, and the laws may be strengthened, adjusted or expanded — but failing to enforce the rules won’t automatically restore access for under-16s.
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Originally published as Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s: Everything you need to know
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