SYDNEY: More than four in five Australian children under the age of 16 continue to use social media despite a nationwide ban aimed at restricting their access, according to a new study.
Australia became the first country in the world to prohibit social media use for children under 16, with the restrictions taking effect in December 2025. The ban applies to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X.
Researchers at The University of Newcastle Australia surveyed 408 children and teenagers aged 12 to 17 and found that more than 80% of those under 16 were still using social media platforms despite the restrictions.
The study concluded that there was little evidence the government’s ban had significantly reduced social media use among children under 16 during the first three months after implementation.
Researchers said the findings are particularly significant as several countries are considering similar measures and are closely watching Australia’s approach to regulating children's online activity.
According to the study, daily social media use among children declined only slightly between December and February. Researchers attributed the limited impact partly to weak age-verification systems on many platforms.
About 85% of children surveyed said they continued to use social media after the ban took effect, while roughly half reported maintaining their own accounts.
Two-thirds said they had completed age-verification checks, and some admitted bypassing restrictions by using false information, alternative accounts or virtual private networks, commonly known as VPNs.
The researchers suggested that age-based restrictions may be more effective in preventing access among younger children, particularly those under 8, but appear less effective for older children who were already active on social media before the ban.
Experts involved in the study said restricting access alone is unlikely to protect children from harmful online content and argued that broader measures and improved safeguards are needed.
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While researchers stopped short of calling the policy a failure, they said the findings indicate additional action may be necessary to achieve the government's objectives.
