Australia eyes tougher enforcement as teen social media ban shows limited impact

Australia is considering tightening enforcement of its landmark social media ban for children under 16, as early evidence suggests the measure has had limited impact on teen usage, according to a Reuters report.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government is reviewing the law to ensure it is “as strong as possible” and capable of withstanding legal challenges. The ban, introduced in December 2025, prohibits major platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube from allowing under-16 users to hold accounts.The review comes after a study published in the British Medical Journal found that the policy has had little measurable effect on how teenagers use social media. According to the study, 85% of Australians aged between 12 and 15 were still active on social platforms three months after the ban came into force. Researchers noted that many young users were able to bypass restrictions by entering false ages or using other workarounds such as submitting selfies that platforms accepted as valid age verification.Albanese said a key priority would be ensuring that Australia’s eSafety Commission, the country’s internet regulator, has sufficient powers to enforce the law effectively. While he did not outline specific measures, officials indicated that strengthening regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms would be central to the next phase of implementation.Also read: Australia’s under-16 social media ban shows limited impact on teen usage: studyThe eSafety Commission, along with Communications Minister Anika Wells, has already signalled a tougher stance toward platforms. Authorities are preparing potential legal action against companies found to be in systemic breach of the rules, with penalties that can reach up to A$49.5 million ($34 million).Australia’s policy is widely regarded as a global first and has drawn international attention from governments exploring similar restrictions. Countries such as the United Kingdom have also begun considering broader measures that could include gaming and live-streaming platforms in addition to traditional social media sites.Despite initial reports that millions of accounts were closed following the rollout, feedback from parents and subsequent studies suggest that overall levels of teen social media use have remained largely unchanged. Researchers said the findings highlight the challenges of enforcing age-based restrictions on digital platforms, particularly where verification systems rely on user self-reporting or easily circumvented technologies.The Australian government said it will continue to assess the effectiveness of the ban as it considers further steps to strengthen compliance and enforcement. The outcome of the review could shape future regulatory approaches, as policymakers work to address concerns around the impact of social media on children while ensuring that laws are practically enforceable across a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.