The Australian government is considering tougher enforcement measures for its landmark social media ban for children under the age of 16 after new research suggested the legislation has had only a limited impact on teenage social media usage.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government intends to strengthen the law to ensure it can withstand legal challenges while giving regulators greater authority to enforce the restrictions effectively.
The legislation, which came into effect in December 2025, prohibits major social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create accounts. Australia became the first country to introduce such nationwide restrictions, with the policy drawing global attention as governments seek ways to address the impact of social media on young people.
Authorities are now reviewing the effectiveness of the law following findings that a large number of teenagers continue to access social media despite the ban. According to a recent study, around 85% of Australians aged 12 to 15 were still using social media three months after the restrictions came into force.
The research found that many underage users bypassed age verification by declaring themselves to be over 16 or using selfie-based age estimation systems that incorrectly granted them access.
The government is also examining whether the country’s eSafety Commission should receive additional powers to strengthen enforcement. Officials have indicated that legal action is being prepared against several digital platforms suspected of failing to adequately comply with the new regulations.
Companies found to have systematically violated the law could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million.
Australia’s social media restrictions continue to be closely watched internationally, with several countries considering similar measures. Recent proposals in the United Kingdom have also signalled tougher rules for online platforms as governments increase efforts to improve children’s online safety and reduce exposure to harmful digital content.
As legal challenges continue and enforcement evolves, Australia’s approach is expected to play a significant role in shaping future global policies on youth access to social media platforms.
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