(LOOTPRESS) – Australia has begun enforcing one of the world’s toughest online safety policies, officially prohibiting anyone under the age of 16 from holding an account on major social media platforms. The sweeping change, part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, took effect Wednesday following its passage in late 2024.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the rollout in a prerecorded message played in classrooms nationwide, telling students that the new rule reflects growing concern over the pressures young people face online.
“From December 10, if you’re under 16, you’re no longer allowed to have a social media account,” Albanese said, noting the influence of “algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that comes with that” on children’s mental health.
Platforms Included Under the New Restrictions
The law applies to nearly all major social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick. Under the new requirements, companies must take “reasonable steps” to block underage users — including verifying age, removing accounts belonging to anyone younger than 16, and preventing those users from returning through measures such as VPN detection.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, the independent authority tasked with enforcing the rules, has directed platforms to create transparent review systems and offer support for young users whose accounts are terminated. That includes explaining how to download stored data, where to seek help if the process is distressing, and how to appeal a mistaken determination.
Platforms that fail to comply face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $32 million USD).
While acknowledging that age-verification systems are imperfect, Albanese defended the new policy as essential.
“When we see the rise in mental health issues among young people, and the social harms linked to online spaces, it is clear we need to give kids the chance to enjoy childhood — and give parents greater confidence,” he said.
U.S. Lawmakers Press for Similar Protections
The debate over children’s online safety is active in the United States as well. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, lawmakers from both parties argued that social media companies have not done enough to protect minors from harmful content and exploitation.
“Big Tech is always going to prioritize profits,” said Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., calling for sweeping reforms. Lawmakers questioned whether stronger age restrictions — including the possibility of banning platforms for those 16 and under — should be considered.
When asked whether such a ban would help, Lauren Coffren, who leads the Exploited Children Division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, said any policymaking must account for the complexities of age verification, platform responsibility, and parental controls.
Research Shows Rising Concern Over Youth Social Media Use
Studies highlight the growing unease among both teens and parents regarding social media. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found nearly half of U.S. teenagers believe platforms have a mostly negative impact on people their age. A 2023 Gallup poll of more than 1,500 adolescents showed that the average American teen spends nearly five hours a dayon social media. Usage increases with age, with 17-year-olds averaging nearly six hours daily, and girls spending about an hour more per day on social media than boys.
Australia’s move marks a dramatic shift in global internet regulation, and countries watching from afar may soon consider whether stricter age-based rules could be the next frontier in protecting young users online.
