Australian Parliament Bans Social Media for Under-16s

In a landmark decision, the Australian Parliament passed legislation on December 29, 2024, banning social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This unprecedented move aims to combat rising concerns about the mental health effects, cyberbullying, and predatory behavior associated with youth exposure to social media platforms. The law, set to take effect in June 2025, has sparked widespread debate both domestically and internationally.

Parliament House in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. \ Image: Bidgee Wikipedia

The legislation, officially named the Youth Digital Safety Act, mandates that all social media platforms verify the age of their users through government-approved identification systems. Companies that fail to comply face hefty fines and potential restrictions on their operations in Australia. Parents or guardians who attempt to bypass these measures for their children could also face penalties.

The law comes as a response to mounting evidence linking social media use among teenagers to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Recent studies in Australia showed that nearly 40% of teenagers experienced cyberbullying, while a significant number reported experiencing body image issues exacerbated by platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Source: PEW Research Center

Minister for Digital Safety Rebecca Lyons championed the legislation, stating, “We must protect our children from the pervasive harms of social media. This law ensures that young Australians can grow up without the undue pressure and risks these platforms often impose.”

The Challenge

While many applaud the government’s decisive action, critics argue that the law raises questions about enforcement, privacy, and the potential for exclusion. Civil liberties groups have expressed concerns over mandatory age verification, citing risks of data breaches and misuse of personal information.

Additionally, tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have voiced opposition to the legislation, arguing that it could set a precedent for censorship and limit the freedom of expression. These platforms have invested heavily in safety features, such as parental controls and AI-based content moderation, and believe their measures are sufficient.

Young kid browsing his cellular device. | Image: Shutterstock

However, supporters of the law argue that voluntary measures by tech companies have proven inadequate in protecting young users. Advocates highlight the need for more robust protections and emphasize the role of parents in managing their children’s online activities.

Australia’s bold stance is being closely watched by other countries grappling with similar concerns. Legislators in the European Union and the United States have already expressed interest in drafting comparable laws. If successful, Australia could set a global standard for youth digital safety.

The law is also expected to spur innovation in age verification technologies and digital safety solutions. Experts predict that companies will need to invest significantly in adapting to the new regulations, not only to comply with Australian law but to anticipate similar changes worldwide.

As the June 2025 implementation date approaches, the Australian government has promised educational campaigns to help parents and children navigate the transition. Authorities are optimistic that the legislation will foster healthier environments for young people, both online and offline.

However, the debate over balancing safety, privacy, and freedom of expression continues. While the Youth Digital Safety Act marks a groundbreaking step in digital regulation, its success will ultimately depend on effective enforcement and public buy-in.