The harmful content that Australians and especially our children can encounter on social media has been part of an on-going debate throughout Australia.
There is also a growing cohort of countries around the world who have implemented policy around media restrictions and have individuals or are partners in groups responsible for monitoring public safety in relation to the internet.
From December 10, 2025, the Australian federal government plans to implement age-based restrictions relating to social media accounts specifically for children under 16 years of age.
The Federal initiative focuses on protecting young people from social media risks and encouraging more face-to-face interactions between young people by delaying their exposure to social media platforms.
These media restrictions are not a uniform nationwide ban on devices in schools. Education policies are managed and implemented by state and territory education departments.
Ban on screens in schools
States and Territories are responsible for policy in schools.
Most states have banned mobile phones and other personal devices (like smartwatches) for all or specific year levels to minimise distraction, promote learning and wellbeing during the school day.
Policies vary but generally require devices to be switched off and stored away, with exemptions for specific medical, wellbeing, or educational purposes.
Focus on learning and wellbeing: The implementation of these policies is driven by the goal to reduce classroom distractions and promote a positive learning and wellbeing environment.
Exemptions: Policies often include processes for requesting exemptions for medical, wellbeing, or specific educational purposes.
Teacher discretion: Some policies also allow for temporary permission for students to use personal devices for specific learning activities under teacher supervision and discretion.
Switched off and stored away: Where devices are allowed, they generally must be turned off and stored in a secure location, such as a locked pouch during normal school learning.
In Victoria students are required to keep mobile phones switched off and put away during school hours, with secure storage provided.
Who will be banned?
In Australia all children under the age of 16 are included.
The Federal Government says the ban is needed to protect the mental health and wellbeing of children and teens. It also says the risks of harm presented by social media, such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, outweigh any positives of having social media accounts.
How will the ban work?
Australian children under the age of 16 will be unable to have social media accounts under the ban.
Social media companies will be required to deactivate existing accounts owned by children.
Social media companies will be required to take “reasonable steps” to ensure there are no workarounds.
If social media companies don’t enforce the ban, they could face fines of up to $50 million.
There won’t be fines or penalties for young people or their families if they gain access to the platforms.
Platforms will not be allowed to use any information provided to verify age for other purposes unless the user consents.
Which apps are to be banned?
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Reddit and YouTube (which has recently been added to the list) will be age restricted.
Some messaging apps, such as Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Google Classroom, and YouTube Kids, won’t be included in the ban.
A survey of 2600 children found nearly four in 10 had been exposed to harmful content on YouTube.
But because a YouTube account is not needed to access most of the site’s content, children would still be able to view videos without logging in.
They won’t however be able to view age-restricted content, leave comments or upload their own videos.
A fact sheet published by the federal government in December 2024 said platforms would also fall under the age restriction requirements if the platform:
– Has a sole or significant purpose to enable online social interaction between two or more users
– Allows users to link to, or interact with, some or all of the other users
– Allows users to post content
On July 30, 2025, the government announced that video games will not be included in the social media ban because they “pose fewer social media harms to under-16s” compared to social media platforms.
Social media positives and negatives
Positives
– Connection and support: People connect with others, form supportive online communities, and share experiences, fostering a sense of belonging.
– Professional growth: It provides opportunities for professionals to market their skills, network with peers, and find business opportunities.
– Information access and learning: Users can access information, learn new skills, and stay updated on daily news and events from various sources.
-Inspiration and motivation: Social media can inspire people by showcasing successful individuals who share their knowledge and expertise.
Negatives
– Mental health concerns: Excessive internet use is linked to addictive behaviour, increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy due to social comparison. Greater social media usage is associated with poor sleep quality, which can negatively affect cognitive function and overall wellbeing.
– Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing others’ curated lives can trigger FOMO, increasing self-esteem issues and encouraging compulsive platform use.
– Cyberbullying: The internet is often used as a platform for cyberbullying, harassment, and the sharing of embarrassing or harmful content, increasing the risk of depression and self-harm.
– Body image issues: Exposure to influencers and unrealistic beauty standards can lead to unhealthy obsessions with appearance and significant impacts on self-esteem.
– Exposure to harmful content: Social media can expose young people to content promoting self-harm, illegal acts, pornography and eating disorders.
– Impact on cognitive and academic performance: Chronic sleep loss resulting from extensive and addictive social media use can negatively affect cognitive abilities, school performance, motivation and socioemotional functioning.
Australian Government’s social media restrictions
From December 10 2025, the new Federal law will require social media platforms to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping accounts.
This new Federal law aims to protect children under 16 years of age from negative health impacts and the risks associated with social media, such as design features that encourage excessive and addictive screen time use and access to harmful content.
