Social media ban

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One of the hottest topics in Australia in 2024 was the social media ban. Even though the ban directly affects young people, they were the ones who were left with the most questions.  

What is it? Why is it happening? What apps does it affect? How will they monitor it? What happens if they find out I have an account? 

With the social ban coming into effect by December 2025, we’re here to answer your questions about what it is and how it will impact you.   

What is the social media ban? 

The Australian Government passed a new law called the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 on 28 November 2024. This law introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media platforms. It will take effect by December 2025, and parents cannot give their consent to let under-16s use these platforms. 

Why is the social media ban happening?  

The Government says the social media ban is needed to protect the mental health and wellbeing of Australian children and teens. They believe the risks of social media, such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators, outweigh the positives. 

What social media platforms does the ban apply to? 

The platforms the ban will apply to still needs to be officially worked out, but the suggestions at the moment are X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Reddit. Tech companies that own these platforms could face fines of up to $50 million if they don’t take reasonable steps to stop under-16s from having accounts.   

Apps like Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, Google Classroom and YouTube are expected to not be part of the ban.  

How will social media platforms know my age?  

There was talk that Aussies would have to hand over personal IDs, like driver’s licences or passports, but the Government is expected to decide against this. A few ideas are floating around on how to ensure that under-16s don’t access these platforms, but there is no one solution yet.  

What will happen to me if I have an account? 

It's up to the tech company that owns the platform to create systems to ensure those under 16 can’t create or keep social media accounts. This means there won’t be fines or penalties for young people and their families if they gain access to age-restricted platforms. The tech companies will face potential penalties instead. 

What does UNICEF Australia think about the social media ban?

While it’s great that we’re talking more about improving the online world for young people, UNICEF Australia thinks that the proposed changes won’t fix the problems young people face online.  Social media has a lot of good things, like education and staying in touch with friends. We think it’s more important to make social media platforms safer and to listen to young people to make sure any changes actually help. That's why we're including young people’s opinions when we're talking to the government about making online spaces as safe as they can be. 

Want to have your say on the impact of social media?  

UNICEF Australia is passing the mic to allow young people to share their thoughts on social media and its impact on their lives.