Australia to Enforce Social Media Age Ban for Under-16s by December 2025

SYDNEY – Australia will implement one of the world's strictest social media age restrictions starting December 10, 2025, prohibiting anyone under 16 from maintaining or creating accounts on major platforms, according to new legislation passed by the Australian government.

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, passed on November 28, 2024, establishes a mandatory minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, with no exceptions for parental consent.

Platforms Affected

The ban targets major social media services including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick. Technology companies operating these platforms face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million USD) if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent minors from accessing their services.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp, educational platforms like Google Classroom, and child-specific applications including YouTube Kids and Messenger Kids are expected to be exempt from the restrictions.

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Age Verification Methods

Social media companies will employ multiple age verification approaches, including age estimation technology using photos or videos. While platforms may offer identification document verification, they must provide alternative methods for users who prefer not to submit official identification.

Importantly, the legislation places enforcement responsibility on technology companies rather than users. Young people and their families will not face penalties or fines for accessing age-restricted platforms.

Government Rationale

Australian authorities framed the legislation as a protective measure targeting mental health and wellbeing concerns among children and adolescents. Officials cited risks including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and contact with online predators as justifications for the age restrictions.

UNICEF Australia's Position

UNICEF Australia expressed reservations about the legislation's approach while acknowledging the importance of addressing online safety concerns. The organization advocates for improving platform safety features and incorporating youth perspectives in policy development rather than imposing access restrictions.

The organization emphasized social media's positive aspects, including educational opportunities and social connectivity, arguing that enhanced safety measures would prove more effective than delayed access. UNICEF Australia has launched initiatives to gather young people's opinions on the matter through its "Pass the Mic" campaign and U-Report digital community platform.

The implementation timeline gives technology companies approximately one year to develop and deploy compliant age verification systems before enforcement begins.