Is Australia's social-media ban working?
- Published
In December 2025, Australia banned social media for under-16s, but new research suggests some young people still have access to the apps.
According to the Molly Rose Foundation, 61% of Australian 12-15 year olds who had social media before the ban, still have access to one or more accounts.
The laws says it's not parents or children that will get punished for ignoring the ban but social media companies, who could face fines of up to £25m for serious or repeated breaches.
The study polled 1,050 children aged 12-15 years old.
What do children in Australia think of their country's new under 16s social media ban?
The research also revealed that half of children (51%) who were using social media before the ban, think it's made no difference to their online safety.
Other countries are currently considering, or are in the process of putting in place, similar controls over social media for young people.
In the UK, the government is in the middle of a consultation, where they are asking about people's opinions on a possible ban.
They are also conducting a trial, where 300 pupils over six weeks will try out different restrictions on social media use, to see the impact on their schoolwork, sleep and family life.