Starting December 10, 2025, Australian teenagers under 16 will be prohibited from using major social media platforms. The new Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 aims to shield young users from the myriad risks present in the digital landscape. This means accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X, and others will be off-limits for those below the specified age.
The government’s initiative is a direct response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent mental health and development. Prime Minister Albanese underscored the law’s purpose: “The digital world should not come at the cost of their mental health or development.” Key issues addressed by the legislation include protection from cyberbullying, prevention of exposure to harmful material, and mitigation of the addictive nature of platform designs. Research has consistently pointed to a correlation between heavy social media engagement and negative outcomes for young people, including heightened anxiety and reduced focus.