In a move that will impact thousands of young gamers, Twitch is joining the list of social media platforms banned for Australians under the age of 16. This comes as part of a sweeping change in Australian law that takes effect on December 10, 2025.
What Is the Ban About?
This new law is aimed at restricting social media access for kids under 16, hoping to reduce the negative impact these platforms can have on young people’s mental health, privacy, and safety. While the law has been in the works for a while, the inclusion of Twitch is a significant development, particularly given the platform’s popularity among gamers and streamers. Twitch, which allows users to live stream and interact with others, has now officially been added to the under-16 ban list, joining other major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, confirmed that Twitch would be added to the ban, explaining that the platform’s interactive nature led to its inclusion. Unlike gaming platforms that are purely about gameplay, Twitch fosters communication and engagement between users, which is a key reason for the restriction. “Twitch is a platform most commonly used for live streaming or posting content that enables users to interact with others,” Inman Grant said to NEWS.
How Will Social Media Ban Affect Young Users?
So, what does this mean for Aussie kids who love Twitch? Starting December 10, no Australian under 16 will be able to sign up for a Twitch account. Additionally, existing accounts held by minors will be deactivated within the following month. Although Twitch already has a global minimum age requirement of 13, this new law will mean that younger users in Australia will be completely cut off from the platform, even if they have parental supervision.
This is part of a broader initiative to give kids a break from the constant pressures of social media, as Communications Minister Anika Wells explained. The law aims to create a “meaningful difference” in the lives of young Australians, providing them with a reprieve from the addictive nature of social media platforms. Of course, this doesn’t mean the end of social media altogether; it just means that access to these platforms will be limited for a certain age group.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The timing of this law is interesting, especially given the ongoing concerns about the effects of social media on youth. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have faced criticism for their role in promoting unrealistic beauty standards, fostering cyberbullying, and contributing to mental health struggles among teenagers. Twitch, though primarily a gaming and streaming platform, has also been linked to issues like excessive screen time, harmful online interactions, and even inappropriate content for younger audiences.
The government is trying to address these issues head-on with the new law, which also includes hefty fines for social media companies that don’t comply. If platforms fail to take “reasonable steps” to remove underage users, they could face penalties up to $50 million. This is a significant deterrent for companies, who will now have to put more effort into verifying users’ ages and ensuring that minors are not using their platforms.
What’s Next for Twitch and Other Platforms?
In the case of Twitch, the company has already confirmed that it will deactivate the accounts of under-16 users in Australia, aligning with the country’s new laws. Twitch’s global policy still requires users to be at least 13, with younger users allowed only with parental supervision, but this new restriction goes a step further for Australian users.
The ban also affects other major platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and the recently added Kick. These platforms will now be under stricter scrutiny, with social media companies needing to ensure they don’t allow underage users to sign up. While it’s unclear whether more platforms will be added to the list before the December 10 deadline, the government has stated that the law’s aim is to provide tangible relief for young people, rather than chasing perfection in regulating every platform.
