Have you noticed how much time both kids and teens spend on social media? Well, on Nov. 28, Australia created a ban that prohibited people younger than 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, X, YouTube, and Facebook. The ban was fully enforced and in action by Dec. 10.

The social media ban is Australia’s way of getting kids off social media as a result of safety concerns. Key reasons for the ban include mental health issues, protection from both harmful and inappropriate content, protection from online predators, and supporting parents in an attempt to encourage students to spend less time online.

According to a post on UNICEF Australia, “From 10 December 2025, anyone under 16 in Australia won’t be able to keep or make accounts on social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Facebook, and more. The rule doesn’t punish young people or their families. Instead, social media companies have to stop under-16s from having accounts or risk serious fines.”

So far, affected platforms include Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick. Those platforms are now required to make a mandatory age minimum (age 16), or else the company will be heavily fined. To verify this, these sites must require age-verification monitors like video selfies and ID checks.

Furthermore, BBC News states that failure to comply with the standards will result in a fine to the company of up to $49.5 million in Australian dollars, or approximately $33 million USD. Current users under age 16 will likely be removed from the platform entirely. For now, apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Roblox, and Google Classroom are exempt, but could be added to the list at a later date.

According to City Journal, the ban is proving popular among Australian adults. However, lawsuits are already being mounted against the new law. According to Fast Company, on Dec. 12 “Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court seeking to overturn the country’s recently enacted social media ban for children. The San Francisco-based firm claims the law is unconstitutional because it infringes on Australia’s implied freedom of political communication.” Reddit also contends that preventing teens and kids under 16 from accessing forums online hinders their ability to learn about political ideas before reaching voting age.

There are reports that people are getting around Australia’s ban, whether through using a virtual private network (VPN) or using a parent’s or older friend’s face and or ID to log in, all of which may enable users to bypass the new age-verification checks.

Still, some argue that the potentially positive effects of Australia’s ban outweigh any negatives, claiming it will cause teens to spend less time online and encourage them to go outside and be more connected with parents or friends. Others argue they may also be less likely to be exposed to pedophiles, having their personal information stolen or sold online, or being cyberbullied.

Could such a ban come to America? According to Northjersey.com, several U.S. senators have introduced “The Kids Off Social Media Act,” which would “prohibit users under 13 from accessing social media platforms, while also limiting social media use in public schools.” The proposed legislation was introduced in 2024, but so far has not passed Congress.

USA Today contributor Chris Koopman, in his editorial “I get Australia’s social media ban. They still did it wrong,” argues that “Families should be free to decide when the benefits outweigh the risks. They shouldn’t have their freedom stripped away in the name of safety.”