Children Are Getting Around Australia's Social Media Ban, Early Research Shows

Afghanistan, Oct. 17 -- Many children in Australia are still using social media despite the country's world-first ban for users under 16, according to early research that raises new questions for governments and parents about how to keep young people safe online.

According to a report by 3A1Z Stories, a family storytelling and publishing platform, two separate studies show the restrictions have reduced the number of children holding accounts but have not kept most of them off social media.

Australia's rules took effect on December 10, 2025. They require platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X to take reasonable steps to stop users under 16 from holding accounts. The law places the responsibility on compani...