Millions of children and teens lose access to accounts as Australia’s world-first social media ban begins

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -Australia has just rolled out a sweeping new law that bans anyone under 16 from having social media accounts. 

As of December 10, 2025, major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Threads, Twitch and others are required to deactivate existing accounts held by under-16s — and block new registrations for that age group.

The ban affects millions of children and teenagers. One of the companies behind these platforms began removing under-16 users even before the official deadline. Platforms that fail to comply risk steep fines of up to A$49.5 million.

Supporters of the law say it is an urgent step to protect young people from online harms such as excessive screen time, cyberbullying, grooming, and other risks tied to social media. 

But even as the law takes effect, critics and experts caution that enforcing it will be difficult. Some under-16s have already managed to circumvent age checks, and there are concerns that teens may simply migrate to less regulated corners of the internet.