Australia has just rolled out a bold new rule: kids under 16 can no longer use social media. This move, one of the strictest in the world, aims to tackle the impact of social media on kids’ mental and physical health. The ban covers popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit—but YouTube gets a pass.
Social media companies now have one year to figure out how to enforce this age limit. If they fail, they could face fines as high as 50 million Australian dollars, or about $33 million in U.S. dollars. That’s a hefty price for not playing by the rules.
Lawmakers worked late into the night to push this legislation through before their session ended. The bill, strongly backed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, passed with bipartisan support. It cruised through the House of Representatives with a vote of 102 to 13. Supporters argue that social media often does more harm than good, pointing to its links with issues like poor body image among girls and exposure to harmful content for boys.
The change comes after several tragic cases of Australian teenagers who took their own lives, which their families blamed on online bullying. Many Australians seem to agree it’s time for action. A recent poll showed that 77% of Australians support the ban, a big jump from 61% just a few months ago.
But not everyone is on board. Critics say the government rushed the decision, giving people only a single day to share their thoughts. In that short time, 15,000 submissions poured in, but lawmakers barely had time to review them. Some tech companies, including Google, Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram), and TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, asked for more time to study the potential fallout of the ban. Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), called it “a backdoor way to control internet access.”
So, how will this work? Australia plans to test an age-checking system that could include using biometrics or government-issued ID. This has sparked concerns about privacy and data security. Platforms will also need to destroy any personal information they collect once the age is verified.
Opponents worry about what this could mean for kids. Social media isn’t just about scrolling aimlessly—it can be a lifeline, especially for teens who feel isolated or marginalized. Christopher Stone from Suicide Prevention Australia warned that cutting kids off from these online connections might make loneliness and isolation worse.
The government promises to keep messaging apps like WhatsApp and gaming platforms like Roblox open for young people, along with access to important online health and education services. But many feel these measures aren’t enough. Critics argue the government hasn’t done enough to hear from teens, who use social media daily and understand its role in their lives.
Leo Puglisi, a 17-year-old who runs 6 News Australia, a youth-led news channel, voiced his frustration. He pointed out that this law, created by adults, will mostly affect kids who’ve grown up with social media. He also raised concerns about how this ban might eventually require every Australian, no matter their age, to provide ID just to use social media.
Experts like Professor Daniel Angus from Queensland University of Technology aren’t convinced either. He called the plan “illogical” and said it overlooks how important social media can be for education, advocacy, and community-building, especially for kids in rural or disadvantaged areas. Meanwhile, platforms like 4chan, which are known for harmful content, remain untouched by the ban.
Even parents pushing for more social media restrictions have their doubts. The Heads Up Alliance, a group of concerned Australian parents, gave the law a D+ grade. They argue the ban won’t address bullying on messaging apps, where many kids might turn instead. They fear it could create new problems like less time outdoors, fewer real-life friendships, and continued exposure to inappropriate content.
While this new rule may be aimed at protecting kids, it’s clear the debate over how to best regulate social media is far from over. For now, Australia has taken a big step, but the real challenge will be making it work without causing more harm than good.
