A significant legislative change is coming to Australia, with a ban on social media for individuals under 16 set to be enforced from December 10, 2025. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 seeks to bolster online safety for minors by restricting their access to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese championed the law, explaining its necessity for protecting young Australians. “This is about making sure our kids are safe online,” he stated, adding, “The digital world should not come at the cost of their mental health or development.” The government aims to combat issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content exposure, and the negative consequences of engagement with addictive algorithmic systems. Concerns are amplified by studies indicating a rise in anxiety, sleep problems, and attention deficits among youth due to extensive social media usage.