Australia’s under-16 social media ban now in effect: Meta, YouTube & others removing teen accounts

[techinspiredlife]

On December 10, 2025, Australia became the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social-media accounts for children under 16.

 

[Tyler]

Australia’s new law now bans under‑16s from social media. Platforms like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat are removing or blocking teen accounts to comply, aiming to protect kids from online risks.

 

[Eliana]

The Australia social media law that bans anyone under 16 from social media sites is effective, and companies including Meta, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and X are required to delete children’s accounts.

 

[alinajoseph]

Australia’s under-16 social media ban is now in effect — the first law of its kind in the world. Platforms like Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick must block users under 16 from having accounts or face heavy fines. Meta has already started removing under-16 accounts ahead of the Dec. 10 enforcement date. The law aims to protect children’s mental health and safety online.

 

[Hazel]

Australia’s under-16 social media ban is now active, requiring platforms like Meta and YouTube to remove teen accounts. Companies face heavy fines if they fail to block or deactivate underage users.

 

[Raymond]

Australia’s under-16 social media ban is now in effect, requiring major platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and YouTube to remove accounts held by users under 16. The law aims to protect teenagers’ mental health and online safety by preventing them from creating or keeping social media accounts. Companies that fail to comply can face heavy fines, so many platforms have started deleting or restricting teen accounts across Australia.