Australia's under-16 social media ban shows little impact in early study

Australia introduced a world‑first ban on social‑media accounts for anyone under 16 in December 2025, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for platforms that fail to enforce it. A study published in the British Medical Journal tracked 408 adolescents before the law took effect and again three months later. More than 85 % of those under 16 reported still using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or YouTube, most via their own accounts. Daily use was unchanged for 12‑13‑year‑olds, fell slightly for 14‑15‑year‑olds (from 78 % to 69 %), and rose for those 16 and older.

The researchers noted that two‑thirds of under‑age users encountered age‑verification prompts, but most were simple self‑declarations or selfie uploads that could be easily bypassed. Around 15‑19 % used fake accounts and roughly 10 % resorted to private browsers. The paper concluded there was “little evidence … to conclude that exposure to the Act had any early substantial effects”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will “stress‑test” the legislation and ensure the eSafety Commission has sufficient power to enforce it. Officials are considering tougher measures as other nations, including the UK, watch the Australian experiment closely.