Australia's Social Media Ban: A False Promise of Safety The Australian government's ban on social media for those under 16, implemented in December 2025, was touted as a world first measure to shield children from online harms like bullying, grooming, and sexual extortion.
However, five months into the ban, it has become clear that the regulation is riddled with holes, leaving many young Australians unaffected. Teenagers have found ways to bypass age verification processes with ease.
By altering their birthdate or asking an older person to enable access, they can continue using social media platforms without significant consequences.