Australian Government Introduces New Social Media Rules for Teens

On September 16, 2025, the Australian government announced that starting December 10, it will implement the world’s first social media ban for those under 16. The policy will cover major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with only controlled versions such as YouTube Kids remaining accessible. The government stated that the measure aims to protect teenagers from harmful content, reduce potential mental health risks, and create a safer online environment.

To enforce the policy, platforms must implement multiple safeguards, including credit card verification, facial age estimation, digital identity verification, or government document checks, to prevent bypassing through self-reported ages. Platforms must also provide an appeals mechanism for wrongly blocked users and regularly audit their verification systems, submitting compliance reports to the government. The government emphasized that this is not merely regulation but aims to encourage companies to proactively improve age verification and content moderation systems. Noncompliance could result in fines up to AUD 50 million and restrictions on advertising revenue and services in Australia.

Mental health experts note that prolonged social media use can increase loneliness, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and lowered self-esteem among teenagers. The government believes the policy will reduce teenagers’ exposure to inappropriate content while urging parents to guide healthy online usage. Social media companies expressed partial support but also warned the government to provide clear guidance and technical support to avoid mistakenly blocking legitimate users and recommended a transition period for gradual adaptation.