Australia's under-16 social media ban
Australia's new law requires big platforms to block under-16 accounts, and reports say some teens are drifting to lesser-known apps that the law doesn't cover yet.
Should I worry?
There is no similar law in Canada, so your teen's accounts here aren't affected. The part worth knowing is the ripple effect: when big apps become off-limits, some teens look for smaller ones, which may have fewer safety settings, weaker moderation and less familiar privacy controls. Critics in Australia have raised this concern, and regulators there are already watching a couple of fast-growing apps. If your teen has friends in Australia or follows the news, ask which apps they're hearing about, and check the privacy and messaging settings on any new app together. Keep the tone curious. Teens who feel they'll lose access are less likely to tell you what they're using.
How to join in
On 10 December 2025, Australia became the first country to require platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to block accounts for kids under 16. The platforms face big fines, not the families. Teens have strong opinions: some feel shut out, others are relieved to have an excuse to step back. It's a great conversation starter about how they use social media, what they'd miss and what they wouldn't. Ask whether they think an age limit would work, and what a good one would look like.
Try saying
“I read that Australia now blocks kids under 16 from some apps. What do you think about that, would it be fair, would it work? And if your friends ever move to a new app, I'd love to hear about it, I just want to make sure it's got decent privacy settings.”
Sources
- Australia is banning young teens from social media. Could it happen in the US? | CNN Business
- Australia bans under-16s from social media - RTHK
- Australia's social media ban for under-16s starts today. Here is what you should know - ABC News
- Australia’s under 16 social media ban under microscope at home and abroad · Global Voices Advox
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.