A notification on the Instagram app on a smartphone arranged in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
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It’s been a month since Australia banned under-16s from social media platforms, and some teens are glad to be free of the distraction, while others have found ways to bypass the law.
The Online Safety Amendment Act requires major social media platforms like
Reddit, another banned platform, has taken it further and launched a legal challenge against the Australian government, saying the ban is inefficient and curtails young people’s freedom of speech.
Reddit previously said in a statement to CNBC that the law could isolate teens “from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions).”
“The political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers, as well as others interested in the views of those soon to reach the age of maturity,” Reddit added.
Where next?
Australia was the first country to implement such a sweeping social media ban for under-16s as concerns about the negative impacts of platforms have escalated. Now, others might follow suit.
Australia blocked teens from using social media in December in a new regulation.
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There’s particular interest among U.K. politicians. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told MPs on Monday that he’s alarmed at childrens’ screen time and called for an Australian-style ban.
There’s also interest in the U.S. In a Fox News poll of over 1,000 registered voters, 64% of respondents favored a social media ban for teens and banning cellphones from K-12 classrooms. Two-thirds of parents also were in favour of the ban, with 36% were opposed.