Australia Bans Social Media for Teens

Australia have now put in a ban that will be in place from the 10th of December 2025, social media companies will have to take “reasonable steps” to ensure that under-16s in Australia cannot set up accounts on their platforms and that existing accounts are deactivated or removed.

A study commissioned by the government earlier this year said 96% of children aged 10-15 used social media and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content and behaviour. This behaviour ranged from misogynistic material to fight videos and content promoting eating disorders and suicide.

One in seven also reported experiencing grooming-type behaviour from adults or older children, and more than half said they had been the victims of cyberbullying.

The platforms involved are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms such as Kick and Twitch.

The BBC reports that ‘teens launch High Court challenge to Australia’s social media ban’

Two teenagers, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, claim that the law is taking away their right to free communication. Noah Jones then stated “We are the true digital natives, and we want to remain educated, robust and savvy in our digital world… They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence.”

Many believe that the government has gone to far with this ban. Do you agree write your thoughts in the comments below?

By Lottie, Yr9

Boston High School