The Australian government is preparing to enforce one of the world’s toughest laws against social media use among minors. Beginning December 10, 2025, children under the age of 16 will be banned from creating or maintaining accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
This marks the first nationwide restriction of its kind targeting young users, as authorities aim to safeguard children’s mental health and online well-being.
Under the new legislation, social media companies will be legally required to take “reasonable steps” to verify users’ ages and prevent access for those under 16. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 28 million euros).
The Australian government has already launched an awareness campaign to prepare parents and children for the upcoming restrictions.
Australia’s Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, said the main goal is to restore a healthier childhood and give young people time to build their identities without interference from digital platforms.
“We want children to have a childhood — and parents to have peace of mind,”
declared Minister Wells, emphasizing that this law aims to protect families and preserve mental well-being in an era of constant online exposure.
The new rule has sparked global debate, with many experts suggesting that Australia’s move could inspire similar policies in other nations struggling to regulate the impact of social media on minors.