Australia’s social media ban for users under 16 has had limited impact on teenagers’ online behaviour, according to new research evaluating one of the world’s most closely watched digital safety measures.
The ban, introduced in December, restricted under-16 users from platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as part of an effort to protect children from online bullying, harmful content and what officials described as predatory algorithms.
Teens Bypass Restrictions
Researchers found that many underage users continued accessing social media despite the ban.
Teenagers reportedly bypassed the restrictions by:
- Using accounts registered to older people
- Creating fake accounts
- Logging in through private browsers
- Using alternate devices or access methods
The findings suggest that legal restrictions alone may not be enough to significantly reduce social media use among teenagers.
Online Safety Goals Under Scrutiny
Australia introduced the measure as part of a wider crackdown on digital harms affecting young people.
The government said the ban was designed to protect children from cyberbullying, addictive platform design, harmful recommendations and exposure to inappropriate content.
However, researchers now say practical enforcement remains difficult, especially when teenagers can easily find workarounds.
Need for Stronger Digital Safeguards
Experts argue that age bans must be supported by stronger platform accountability, better parental tools, digital literacy education and more effective age-verification systems.
They also warn that overly strict restrictions may push young users into less visible online spaces, making supervision harder.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Australia’s experience shows that online child safety cannot depend only on bans. Stronger technology controls, platform responsibility, parental awareness and digital education are equally important.
As governments worldwide rethink youth access to social media, the challenge will be balancing safety, privacy, enforcement and digital rights.
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