The Country That Banned Under-16s
Australia's under-16 social media ban is the world's biggest real test of the question every family argues about, and the early results give both sides ammunition.
- • Maximum fines started at 49.5 million Australian dollars, about 33 million US dollars, and the government later doubled them; messaging apps WhatsApp and Messenger are exempt.
- • A Pew survey of 2,064 Australian adults found 82% support restricting kids' social media: 89% of over-65s but only about 7 in 10 of 18-29 year olds.
- • In March 2026 the regulator, eSafety, opened investigations into five companies for not doing enough, and the UK plans its own ban in 2027.
If it gets heated: If a kid says 'the ban is pointless' or 'social media should be banned for everyone', agree with what's true in it, then ask them to make the other side's best argument first. Finish by asking what evidence would change their mind.
How old should you be to get your own social media account?
Australia picked a number: 16. Since December 2025, apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube must remove under-16s or risk fines of about 33 million US dollars.
In days, 4.7 million accounts were shut or restricted. Puzzle: Australia has only about 2.5 million kids aged 8 to 15. Solution: lots of kids had two or more accounts. Accounts are not kids.
How does an app guess your age? Ask for ID. Scan your face and estimate. Or read clues, like how long your account has existed. Each leaks. A face scan only guesses, and a parent or older sibling can lend a hand, or a face.
Did it work? Before the ban, just under half of 8 to 15 year olds had an account on a banned app. Weeks later, about 1 in 3 still did. Bullying complaints barely moved. Some teens said lonely or rural kids find support online.
Supporters reply: about 4 in 5 Australian adults back limits, and every closed account means more time for real friends.
The twist? Even a leaky rule moves what feels normal. Once the law says 16, "everyone else has it" sounds weaker. Almost 4 in 10 parents said it changed their view, mostly towards a later age.