Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s, implemented three months ago, has sparked mixed reactions as experts await more data to assess its impact. Meanwhile, the UK government is considering a similar ban following a public consultation.
Key Takeaways
Australia's social media ban for under-16s has been in effect for three months, but its success remains unclear as data collection continues. Meanwhile, the UK government is considering a similar ban following public consultation.
- Australia's social media ban for under-16s has been implemented for three months
- Data on the ban's effectiveness is still being collected and analyzed
- The UK government is consulting the public on whether to implement a similar ban
- Some teenagers in Australia have found ways to circumvent the ban
- Experts emphasize the need for long-term evaluation and enforcement
The Australian government measures the ban's success partly by the number of accounts removed—4.7 million from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitch since December 2025. However, this figure only reflects technical compliance and does not capture the full picture.
Caroline Thain, national clinical adviser with mental health organization Headspace, notes that about one in ten teenagers seeking support at their centers has cited the social media ban as a reason. She emphasizes that it will take time to understand the ban's broader effects on mental health and digital habits.
The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, announced an evaluation of the ban involving more than 4,000 children and families over two years. The study will track smartphone use, school test results, healthcare data, and other metrics to assess outcomes like wellbeing, mental health, and digital habits.
Teenagers in Australia have mixed views on the ban. Some have found ways to circumvent it by creating new accounts or switching to platforms not included in the ban, like WhatsApp. Others appreciate the opportunity to explore alternative forms of communication and entertainment.
In the UK, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall launched a public consultation asking for views on whether to ban social media for under-16s. The consultation seeks input from young people, parents, carers, experts, and industry stakeholders. It also considers less dramatic interventions like overnight curfews, restrictions on addictive features, and chatbot blocks.
While some experts and children's charities warn against an outright ban due to potential unintended consequences, others argue that the government should act based on existing research linking social media use to mental health issues in young people. The consultation will close on 26 May, with the government planning to respond later this year.
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