Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s to Protect Youth Mental Health

Australia has taken a significant step in digital safety by becoming the first nation globally to prohibit social media access for individuals under the age of 16. The law took effect on 10 December, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to protect the mental health of young people from the potential harms of social media platforms.

The new legislation requires major social media services, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, to restrict access to their platforms for users below this age threshold. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately £26 million or $33 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded the ban as a crucial move to reclaim control from large technology companies, emphasising the need for children to enjoy their formative years free from the pressures associated with social media. "Across Australia, those under 16 are starting their day a little differently—without social media. It's a big change, and we're the first country in the world to give it a crack. But it really matters," Albanese stated in a recent broadcast.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the unique challenges posed by social media in modern society, noting that children today face pressures that previous generations did not. He highlighted that this change is aimed at supporting families in ensuring children's online safety, placing the responsibility on social media companies rather than parents. Albanese added, "This is world-leading. This is Australia showing enough is enough. It is about our families taking back control."

The implementation of this law follows the passage of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which was approved by the Australian Parliament in November of the previous year. UNICEF Australia supported the initiative, citing the necessity of protecting young people from the adverse effects of online interactions, such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.

Under the new rules, individuals under 16 are prohibited from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. However, certain applications such as Messenger Kids and YouTube Kids are exempt from these restrictions, allowing for tailored content suitable for younger audiences.

The Australian government has cited various studies indicating that excessive social media use can lead to mental health issues among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. The country’s approach is being closely monitored by international regulators, with several other nations, including Denmark, New Zealand, and Malaysia, showing interest in potentially adopting similar measures.

As Australia embarks on this unprecedented journey to safeguard its youth, the global community is keenly observing the outcomes of this social media ban on children's mental health and overall well-being. The effectiveness of this legislation may serve as a reference point for other nations grappling with the implications of social media on youth development.