A recent study by Australia’s eSafety regulator has shown that over 80% of teenagers under 16 continue to use social media despite a government ban. This ban, implemented in December 2025, aimed to protect young users from cyberbullying and harmful content. However, the report indicates that many teens have easily circumvented age verification measures, often by using VPNs or simply lying about their age.
The findings highlight a significant gap between policy intentions and real-world compliance. While the government anticipated a cultural shift in how parents and children engage with social media, the actual impact appears minimal. The percentage of teens using social media daily has only slightly decreased, suggesting that the ban has not effectively altered their online habits.
Experts had warned about the challenges of enforcing such a ban, pointing out that tech-savvy youths would find ways around restrictions. The ongoing legal challenge from Reddit against the ban further complicates enforcement efforts, raising questions about the future of age restrictions on social media.
As the conversation around children’s online safety evolves, the implications of this study extend beyond Australia. With the rise of AI-generated content posing new risks, the effectiveness of such regulations may be scrutinised globally, prompting other nations to reconsider their approaches to social media usage among minors.
Source: Al Jazeera
