A ban on social media leaves teens outside of Australia struggling to answer one question: Is it good or bad? Photo by Pixabay

Social media platforms accessible in Australia will be required to remove accounts owned by users under 16, as a new law went into effect on December 10, 2025.

According to multiple news agencies, the ban is intended to protect families with children under 16 and includes popular apps such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The Guardian reports that platforms must freeze or delete all accounts that are registered or appear to be registered to minors under the age of 16. While companies may create their own age-verification methods, ID cannot be the only form of verification. Some apps are turning to tools such as facial recognition. If someone is incorrectly flagged as being under 16, they must submit an appeal, which requires applicants to provide documents such as an ID, passport, or driver’s license.

The LRHS Journalism Club discussed the recent social media ban; however, members could not reach a decisive conclusion on whether the policy is in the best interest of teens. This article presents both perspectives, encouraging the reader to think critically about the issue and form their own opinion.

Ban the Apps, Preserve Teen’s Mental Health

This ban appears to be an overall net-positive, as the restrictions can help boost self-esteem and protect teen’s mental health, as reported by ABC News.

Having children take a step away from social media allows them to avoid its negative aspects, such as cyberbullying and exposure to graphic content. ABC News reported that a 14-year-old high school student came out to speak on her experiences with graphic videos online, sharing that she unexpectedly saw a man being shot while scrolling, an incident that traumatized her. After that experience, she expressed support for the ban.

In addition, cyberbullying, which follows students home from school, can lead to deteriorating mental health and devastating consequences. A mother told the BBC that she blames cyberbullying for the suicide of her 15-year-old daughter, Tilly. She explained that Tilly found herself helpless when she realized she had “no control over” what was being posted about her on social media platforms. 

Social media also puts significant pressure on young users to keep up with trends and “what is cool.” This can create peer pressure to engage in activities that may be harmful to themselves or others. According to a statement from Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, “…this law is about making it easier for you to have a conversation with your child about the risks and harms of engaging online. It’s also about helping parents push back against peer pressure. You don’t have to worry that by stopping your child using ­social media, you’re somehow making them the odd one out. Now, instead of trying to set a “family rule”, you can point to a national ban.”

The bill is designed to protect the youth of Australia and, hopefully, “preserve the innocence that comes through childhood.”

Social Media Bans are NOT the Answer

While it’s easy to see at face value how this could be a good thing, there are plenty of issues with this ban. 

Changing the rules of these platforms to remove underage users will only make young people more creative in figuring out how to get around these restrictions or force them onto more less secure platforms.

Additionally, opponents to the law argue that society should be helping students use social media responsibly and safely, not taking it away. In an interview with ABC News, Dan Donahoo from Project Rockit, an anti-bullying movement and organization that has partnered with Facebook said, “Our children need support and we want to look after them, we want to support them in this sort of emerging digital age that we’re all living in.”

Many parents are concerned that the ban could further isolate teens from helpful online communities, groups, and information. According to ABC News, there is worry that teens in marginalized communities, such as LGTBQ+ youth and teens with autism,  who often rely on these spaces to connect with others and find support will lose these vital connections. BBC News also explored the issue of the ban for students who live in rural areas or attend private schools and live miles apart from friends. One teen expressed frustration, saying, “Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other,” sharing that a “snap” or “like” keeps her friendships connected in a way texting can not. 

This ban can also negatively affect adults. According to The Guardian, ID cannot be the only form of age verification used. People wrongfully marked as under 16 can appeal, but that requires them to give the app access to documents such as their ID, passport, or drivers license. By giving these apps and companies access to your ID, and other personal information, the government is getting a lot of personal information they would not otherwise have access to.

What’s Your Take?

Australia’s new social media ban for users under 16 has sparked strong reactions from people around the world. Supporters believe the law will help protect young people from harmful content, cyberbullying, and the pressures of online life. Opponents argue that the ban may isolate teens, push them toward riskier platforms, and raise new concerns about privacy and data security.

Should countries be allowed to ban social media for children and teens? As the law continues to roll out, its true impact remains to be seen; however, more and more countries, including Denmark, are following Australia’s lead.