Australia has begun enforcing a groundbreaking law that bans children under 16 from using major social media platforms — the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which took effect on December 10, 2025, requires tech companies such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, X and others to block under-16 users from creating or maintaining accounts or face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (~USD 33 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the policy as a major cultural shift aimed at protecting young Australians from online harms like cyberbullying, addictive algorithms and exposure to harmful content, and encouraged youth to explore offline interests during the summer holidays.
The ban’s rollout has already led to the deactivation of hundreds of thousands of accounts and emotional reactions from teens who say the measure disconnects them from online friendships and communities.
Internationally, policymakers are watching closely — countries such as Denmark are weighing similar restrictions — while public figures like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have publicly supported the initiative as a step toward broader online safety reforms.
