Australia's Bold Move: Banning Kids from Social Media

Sun Dec 07 2025 03:44:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking law aimed at restricting children's access to social media platforms. However, many teens, like 13-year-old Isobel, find clever ways to circumvent these new rules.

Australia is looking to become a leader in online safety by instituting a ban on social media access for children under 16. The law, while well-intentioned, has already raised concerns over its efficacy and the potential for kids to bypass the restrictions. Experts warn that without robust enforcement mechanisms, vulnerable children may be pushed into less regulated online spaces. As teens actively seek ways to evade the ban, the overarching question remains: Will this bold new policy effectively protect them from online dangers?

Can you ban kids from social media? Australia is about to, but some teens are a step ahead

A registration from Snapchat warned that Isobel, a 13-year-old, would be locked out under Australia’s new social media ban unless she proved she was over 16. Demonstrating her quick-wittedness, Isobel held up a photo of her mom to bypass the age verification.

Parents like Mel had hoped the ban would shield children from the dangers of social media, but with experts expressing doubts about the policy’s feasibility, parents are left wondering if it will truly protect their kids.

Critics argue that the ban may force children into less regulated online realms—potentially putting them at greater risk. The policy aims to curb exposure to harmful content and reduce cyberbullying, but can technology truly enforce it effectively?

Experts and critics alike highlight that even if the government successfully rolls out this ban, it could cause more harm than good by pushing children away from safer platforms to more dangerous corners of the internet.

The conversation continues: is banning minors from social media the right approach to protect them online, or are we still playing a game of 'whack-a-mole' as they find ways around it?