One month into Australia’s pioneering ban on social media for users under 16, the policy is revealing a complex tapestry of adolescent adaptation, with some teenagers embracing newfound freedom from digital pressures while others seamlessly circumvent the restrictions. The ban, which took effect on December 10, 2025, targets major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, imposing hefty fines on tech companies that fail to deactivate accounts for under-16s. Early reports indicate a significant shift in daily routines for many young Australians, though the long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
For 14-year-old Amy from Sydney, the ban has been transformative. In a diary shared with the BBC, she described initially reaching for Snapchat out of habit but soon feeling ‘disconnected from my phone’ and free from the anxiety of maintaining streaks. Her social media usage has halved, and she now engages more in activities like reading, crocheting, and exercising. Amy’s experience aligns with the government’s goal of reducing online harms, such as exposure to bullying and disturbing content, as she noted relief after avoiding overwhelming information during the Bondi Beach shootings.
Conversely, 13-year-old Aahil reports no change in his social media habits, still spending over two hours daily on platforms like Roblox and Discord, which are not covered by the ban. Using fake birthdays to keep accounts, he says, ‘It hasn’t really changed anything,’ though his mother observes increased moodiness and more time spent on video games. Consumer psychologist Christina Anthony explains that such disruptions can lead to short-term irritability as teens lose a familiar coping mechanism for stress and social anxiety.
The ban has spurred compensatory behaviors, with teens flocking to alternative apps like Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar in the days before implementation. However, downloads have since declined, suggesting some adaptation. Many have turned to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to maintain connections with friends who lost access, highlighting the social nature of these platforms. Expert Mark Johnson notes that gaming platforms, though excluded, pose similar risks but are harder for newcomers to access.
Criticism has emerged from political quarters, with Sky News Australia reporting that a senior Coalition figure has criticized the Labor government’s ‘delay’ in the rollout, claiming the ban is ineffective as children remain on social media. This reflects ongoing debate about the policy’s enforcement and impact, with concerns that it may not achieve its intended protections.
The eSafety Commissioner is set to release findings on the ban’s effectiveness in the coming weeks, including data on deactivated accounts. Communications Minister Anika Wells asserts that the ban is ‘making a real difference’ and inspiring global interest. The government aims to give young Australians more time to build offline communities, especially during summer holidays.
Ultimately, the ban’s success will depend on long-term behavioral changes and the ability of tech companies to enforce age verification. For now, it represents a bold experiment in digital regulation, with mixed early results that underscore the challenges of policing adolescent online activity in an interconnected world.
