Key facts
- Australia's ban on social media for individuals under 16, implemented in December 2025, has proven largely ineffective.
- A report by parental control software company Qustodio found that teen social media usage has returned to near pre-ban levels.
- Specifically, 26% of 13-15 year olds were using TikTok as of last month, a rate only slightly lower than before the ban.
- Usage rates for 10-12 year olds are reportedly higher now than before the ban.
- Most teens surveyed stated they found it easy to bypass the age restrictions.
- Similar bans are being implemented or considered in other countries like France, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
Australia's attempt to curb social media use among minors by banning platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for those under 16 has largely failed to achieve its objective. Data from parental control software provider Qustodio indicates that teen usage rates have rebounded to near pre-ban levels, with some age groups even showing increased activity. The report highlights that 26% of 13- to 15-year-olds were using TikTok as of last month, a marginal decrease from before the ban, while usage among 10- to 12-year-olds has risen. This ineffectiveness is attributed to the ease with which young users can circumvent age verification systems, a challenge also noted by the Australian government's eSafety commission. The findings mirror similar difficulties faced by other countries considering or implementing such bans, including France, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. In a related development, Meta has agreed to implement stricter time limits for users under 18 on its platforms, including a two-hour daily cap and restrictions on push notifications during school hours, suggesting a potential shift towards more nuanced approaches to managing youth social media consumption.