A note for families: Australia's under-16 social media ban

What it is

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.

How much it matters

Neutral. Not a risk, but worth understanding so you know what they mean.

Should you 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.

Sources

• Australia is banning young teens from social media. Could it happen in the US? | CNN Business https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/09/tech/australia-social-media-teen-ban-us-explainer
• Australia bans under-16s from social media - RTHK https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1835384-20251210.htm
• Australia's social media ban for under-16s starts today. Here is what you should know - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-10/australias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-starts-today/106119800
• Australia’s under 16 social media ban under microscope at home and abroad · Global Voices Advox https://advox.globalvoices.org/2025/12/15/australias-under-16-social-media-ban-under-microscope-at-home-and-abroad/