The Australian government today confirms the enforcement of a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16, effective from December 10, 2025. This landmark legislation aims to protect young Australians from online harms, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Under the new rules, designated social media platforms must deactivate all accounts held by users under 16 and prevent new sign-ups from this age group. The eSafety Commissioner will issue notices to 10 major platforms on December 11, requiring detailed reports on account removals and compliance measures.
Affected platforms include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads. Companies must implement robust age verification systems, such as behavioral analysis and data cross-checks, without relying solely on simple ID uploads.
Non-compliance will result in significant penalties, with fines up to AUD $49.5 million for failures to adhere to the age restrictions. Exemptions apply to lower-risk services like Roblox, Pinterest, YouTube Kids, Discord, and educational or messaging apps such as WhatsApp.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated, "This ban represents a critical step in safeguarding our children's well-being in the digital age. We urge parents to discuss online safety with their kids and explore age-appropriate alternatives."
The government encourages platforms to prioritize user privacy during verification and will monitor the rollout closely. Families can access resources on the eSafety website for guidance on the changes.