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Australia is set to implement a landmark law banning social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This significant move, part of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, will take effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation aims to create a safer online environment for young people by preventing them from establishing or managing accounts on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the critical importance of this law, stating it is designed to safeguard children’s well-being. “This is about making sure our kids are safe online. The digital world should not come at the cost of their mental health or development,” he commented. The government highlighted that the ban addresses serious concerns including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the detrimental effects of addictive algorithms. This proactive measure follows growing global evidence linking excessive screen time and social media use to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and diminished attention spans in young individuals.
