Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban: Early Data Shows Limited Compliance

Three months after Australia's world-first ban on under-16 social media use took effect in December 2025, a study of 408 adolescents found 85% of 12-to-15-year-olds still used the platforms. Instagram and TikTok underage usage rose, data published in August showed. Parliament is considering doubling maximum penalties to A$99 million. The UK and France have since adopted similar restrictions.