Australian lawmakers have approved a landmark bill banning under-16s from accessing social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Social media companies will be required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from creating accounts. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to AU$50 million (US$32.5 million).
Tech companies have criticized the legislation, describing it as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
Advocates of the bill argue it is a necessary measure to protect young Australians. Ahead of the vote, a government spokesperson highlighted the dangers of social media, labeling it a source of peer pressure, anxiety, scams, and online predation.
The goal, he said, is to encourage young people to engage in physical activities like football, cricket, tennis, and swimming rather than spending excessive time online.
The ban has sparked resistance among young Australians.
Twelve-year-old Angus Lydom voiced his frustration: “I’d like to keep using it. And it’ll be a weird feeling to not have it, and be able to talk to all my friends at home.” Lydom and his peers are already exploring ways to bypass the restrictions.
Similarly, 11-year-old Elsie Arkinstall argued for the educational value of social media. “Kids and teens should be able to explore techniques like baking or art that you can’t learn from books,” she said.
Despite its ambitious scope, the legislation leaves many enforcement questions unanswered. Regulators will take at least 12 months to finalize implementation details.
Some platforms, such as WhatsApp and YouTube, may be granted exemptions for their utility in education and recreation.
Australia’s move is likely to be closely observed by other nations considering similar measures. Lawmakers in Spain and Florida have proposed bans on social media for young teens, though none have been enacted.
China already imposes strict limitations, restricting under-14s to 40 minutes a day on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) and limiting online gaming time for minors.
While the Australian legislation has been hailed as a step toward protecting young people, critics warn it could become a largely symbolic measure unless robust enforcement mechanisms are established. Its impact, both domestically and globally, will depend on the details that emerge over the next year.
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