Australia is set to implement its first social media ban for children under 16 , a measure that begins in December and aims to protect minors from the effects of online algorithms and overexposure to content. Reddit, the popular forum platform, is now added to the list, along with live streaming platform Kick, bringing the total number of targeted sites to nine.
In total, the platforms affected by Australia's ban are Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, Reddit and Kick. From December 10, 2025, tech companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to disable underage accounts risk fines of up to A$50 million.
Goal of the ban: Protecting the mental health of children
The Australian government explained that each banned platform was chosen becauseits “sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.” The Commissioner for Electronic Safety, Julie Inman Grant, stressed that delaying children’s access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and develop without being influenced by the “unseen forces” of harmful design features, such as endless scrolling and algorithms.
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However, the government clarified that the ban does not apply to all platforms: messaging apps Discord and WhatsApp, gaming platforms Lego Play and Roblox, as well as educational tools such as Google Classroom and YouTube Kids, will be exempt.
Federal Communications Minister Annika Wells said online platforms can target children with “creepy control,” and that the ban is part of an effort to protect them: “We’re not chasing perfection, we’re chasing a meaningful difference,” she said.
How will the ban be implemented?
So far, the government has not provided a full picture of the technical details of implementing the ban, but possible methods include the use of official identity documents, parental consent and facial recognition technology. Critics point out that these methods raise significant privacy and security concerns, while the accuracy of age verification tools is not guaranteed.
Despite concerns, polls show most Australian adults support the ban. However, some mental health experts warn it could cut children off from positive online communities or push them into less regulated corners of the internet.
A recent indication of the social impact came from a family of Australian influencers who decided to move to the UK so their 14-year-old daughter could continue creating content on YouTube.
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YouTube and the reversal of the original decision
YouTube was initially exempt from the ban, but the government overturned the decision in July, citing evidence showing the platform is the most common source of harmful content for children aged 10 to 15.Teenagers under 16 will be able to continue watching videos, but will not have an account, which prohibits them from uploading content or interacting with other users.
Concerns and challenges
Experts warn that enforcing the ban will be difficult. Age verification can be inaccurate or vulnerable to breaches. At the same time, removing children from social networks can limit their ability to develop digital skills and connect with peers in a safe environment.
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It is suggested that the government could focus more on better policing harmful content, educating children about safe internet use, and strengthening parental monitoring tools, rather than completely blocking social networks.
Australia's initiative is unprecedented globally and marks a significant shift in protecting children online. While the goals are clear — limiting exposure to harmful content and protecting mental health — the implementation practices and social consequences will remain the subject of intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
