Australia’s new social media ban for kids under 16 is coming into effect on December 10, 2025. The world-first rule will restrict young users from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. But are there penalties for kids who break the rules? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing? The Big Social Media Ban for Under 16s
The Australian government is implementing a world-first social media ban for children under the age of 16. This ban will apply to popular platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, X, YouTube, Twitch, and Kick. The ban aims to protect young people from the risks of harmful content, exploitation, and the mental health challenges associated with social media use.
The law will be enforced by the eSafety Commission, which will oversee the process and monitor whether platforms are complying with the new rules. Platforms are required to take “reasonable steps” to stop children under 16 from accessing their services. This could mean stricter age-verification measures, removing accounts that are already registered by underage users, and making sure new accounts are blocked from creation.
Will Children Face Penalties?
Here’s the good news for parents and kids: there will be no penalties for children who try to access banned platforms or for their parents or guardians. The eSafety Commission has made it clear that the focus will be on social media platforms, not individuals. Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, acknowledged that some children will inevitably find ways to work around the restrictions, reports 9News.
After all, teenagers are known for being pretty tech-savvy. But the real responsibility lies with the social media companies themselves. In fact, if these platforms fail to adequately prevent underage users from accessing their sites, they could face some pretty hefty fines. Up to $49.5 million in penalties could be imposed on platforms that don’t take reasonable steps to enforce the ban. The government is hoping that by hitting companies with these fines, they’ll do their part in keeping kids safe online.
The Fine Print: How Enforcement Works
The eSafety Commission is getting ready to start enforcing these rules. From December 10, the commission will begin collecting information on whether platforms are complying, and legal actions could follow if they fail to meet expectations. The idea is not to punish kids but to create a safer online space for young Australians. The law has been in the works for a while, and platforms have been given plenty of notice to prepare.
Still, there’s some concern about whether this ban will be fully effective. Children are often creative when it comes to finding ways around restrictions, so it remains to be seen whether this will work as intended. The commission has acknowledged that a 100% success rate isn’t guaranteed, but they believe it’s a necessary step to ensure young people’s safety.
Is This a Step in the Right Direction?
While the ban has garnered mixed reactions, many agree that protecting children from online dangers is a priority. But, as with any new regulation, there are potential challenges. Kids might bypass the restrictions, or platforms could try to find loopholes. Still, the hope is that this ban will open the door for a more comprehensive approach to online safety.
What’s clear is that the government is taking steps to prevent children from accessing harmful content, but it will require cooperation from tech companies and parents to make it truly effective. Whether this will be enough to tackle the growing concerns about youth on social media remains to be seen.
