Australia Is Cracking Down On Social Media For Users Under 16—Here's How And Why They're Going To Do It

Australia is introducing world-first social media age restrictions that aim to protect young people at a crucial stage of their development. Beginning December 10, platforms considered age-restricted must take "reasonable steps" to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping an account. The rule responds to growing concerns about how social media design encourages long screen time and exposes young users to content that can harm their well-being.

As of November 21, 2025, eSafety identifies Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick, and Reddit as age-restricted platforms. This list continues to evolve. More broadly, a platform meets the criteria for age restriction if it enables online social interaction, allows users to link to or interact with others, and lets users post material.

Not all online services fall under these rules. Legislative guidelines issued in July 2025 exclude categories such as online gaming and standalone messaging apps. However, messaging tools with social-media style features may still be included, as well as messaging functions that exist within age-restricted platforms.

The Australian Government notes that these changes create a more consistent and holistic regulatory environment. They fit within the Online Safety Act and complement broader efforts to reduce risks for young Australians online.

Public debate has often described the change as a ban, but eSafety makes the distinction clear. "It's not a ban, it's a delay to having accounts." The law does not penalize young people under 16, nor their parents or carers, if they access a restricted platform. Instead, responsibility falls on social media services. Platforms that fail to take steps to block underage accounts may face significant civil penalties. Courts can impose fines of up to 150,000 penalty units for corporations, currently equivalent to $49.5 million AUD.

Age-restricted platforms must implement effective measures to prevent under-16s from keeping or opening accounts. They must also comply with new information collection rules set by the Minister for Communications, who may specify types of data that must not be collected. eSafety has powers to request information from services to verify compliance and can take enforcement action.

Within two years of implementation, an independent review of the law must begin. This review will assess how well the minimum age requirement is working and identify improvements.

To help platforms prepare, eSafety has released regulatory guidance built on findings from the Australian Government’s Age Assurance Technology Trial and extensive stakeholder consultation. There is also an assessment guide that helps services determine if they fall within the age-restricted category.

The new social media age restrictions are a major step in protecting young Australians, but critics warn they don’t address the root causes of online harm. Dating apps, gaming communities, and AI chat tools remain accessible, and teens may simply move to less regulated corners of the internet, creating new risks.

Still, the government stresses that the rules set a clear minimum standard for child safety online and provide a foundation for further measures. With platforms preparing for the December 10 start date and ongoing monitoring, Australia aims to set a global benchmark in online child protection.

Do you think the Philippines would benefit from a similar move?

This article originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.