Australia Leads Global Push for Social Media Bans for Under‑16s

Australia became the first country to impose a blanket ban on social‑media accounts for users under 16 in December 2025, requiring platforms to verify ages and block sign‑ups. A July 2026 government‑advised study found the measure largely ineffective, with many minors still accessing banned services.

Following Australia, several nations have introduced or are drafting similar restrictions: the United Kingdom plans legislation to prohibit under‑16s from using social media platforms before early 2025, Austria is moving toward a ban for children under 14, Brazil’s Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents mandates guardian‑linked accounts for under‑16s, and Canada is preparing comparable rules. The trend reflects growing concerns over child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, mental‑health effects and addictive platform designs.

Public opinion backs tighter controls – an IPPR‑commissioned poll found eight in ten adults favor either a ban or stricter regulation of harmful features, with 54 % of parents preferring a ban. Critics argue that bans may push youth toward less‑known or riskier services, raise privacy issues through mandatory age‑verification, and fail to address the underlying digital‑literacy challenges.

The debate continues as governments weigh the balance between protecting children and preserving online freedoms, with further legislation expected in the coming months across multiple jurisdictions.