Australia introduces social media ban for under 16's
Some cyber experts are raising concerns however about the ban, saying it may push children to more dangerous corners of the internet
Last updated 10th Dec 2025
Australia's become the first country to introduce a minimum age for social media users online.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube must now block the accounts of children under 16 in the country - or face a fine worth up to 24-point-7 million pounds.
However, cyber experts are concerned the move will actually push children into unregulated corners of the internet.
Professor Daniel Dresner from the University of Manchester said:
"I wouldn't even describe it as a plaster. It's like blocking off one road, forgetting that there are all of these other routes as well.
"There are lots of other ways that children can get into social media, even before you look at the way that they will access the current platforms illegally.
"It's just so important to teach people how to work and live safely online in the same way that we teach them how to live and work safely everywhere else.
"The opportunity here is to get the balance between the people and the technology so that actually the technology reduces the opportunity for bad people to do bad things and for children and other young people to actually fall into the traps that these people will put out for them."
In the UK, the government have introduced 'The Online Safety Act 2023' which is a new set of laws that protects children and adults online.
It puts a range of new duties on social media companies and search services, making them more responsible for their users’ safety on their platforms. It will give providers new duties to implement systems and processes to reduce risks their services are used for illegal activity, and to take down illegal content if and when it appears.
Platforms will be required to prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content and provide parents and children with clear ways to report problems online.