Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the government’s new and controversial ban on social media use for children under 16. The law, which went into effect this week, has been described as a world-first step aimed at protecting young people from online harm. Despite its historic nature and strong public support, the first 24 hours of the rollout have highlighted the challenges ahead, as many teenagers continue to say they are still accessing major platforms.
Teenagers Quickly Test the Ban
Soon after the law took effect, social media feeds across Australia were flooded with posts from users claiming they were under 16 and still active online. Some treated it as a challenge, while others openly mocked the restrictions. One of the most widely shared comments appeared on Prime Minister Albanese’s own TikTok account, where a user wrote, “I’m still here, wait until I can vote.”
These reactions raised immediate questions about how effective the ban will be in the early stages and how platforms will verify age without invading user privacy or relying on unreliable self-reporting.
Bipartisan Support and Strong Public Backing
The law passed with bipartisan support from Australia’s major political parties. Government officials emphasized that the decision was made after years of growing concern about the mental health effects of social media on children, including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and addictive usage patterns.
According to national surveys referenced by lawmakers, nearly three-quarters of Australian parents support stronger age restrictions online. Many parents say the law gives them a sense of relief, arguing that modern social platforms are too powerful and too unsafe for young, unsupervised users.
What the Law Requires
Under the new regulation, 10 of the world’s largest social platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat and X must block users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (around USD 33 million).
The government has acknowledged that enforcing the law will take time. Social media platforms must now build or strengthen their age-verification systems, a process that involves new technology, revised policies and, in some cases, external identity checks. Australian authorities also said they are prepared for a gradual rollout, and that immediate, perfect compliance is unrealistic.
Albanese: Rollout Will Be “Bumpy” but Necessary
In a statement, Prime Minister Albanese noted that the government had expected some young people to continue accessing social media during the early days of the ban. He described the first-day issues as a “bumpy start,” but maintained that the long-term goal is to reduce online harm, limit exposure to predatory behavior, and improve mental health outcomes for minors.
The prime minister added that the government would continue to work closely with technology companies to ensure compliance. He emphasized that the law is not meant to punish teens but rather to create safer online environments and prevent long-term digital addiction and emotional damage.
Platforms Initially Opposed the Law
Before the law passed, all 10 platforms expressed concerns about the ban. Some companies argued that the requirement could be difficult to implement without forcing invasive identity checks. Others warned about technical limitations and the possibility of teens simply lying about their age or using VPNs to bypass restrictions.
However, after the legislation received final approval, the companies announced that they would comply and begin updating their systems.
Debate Continues: Should Kids Be Barred from Social Media?
The law has sparked an ongoing national debate. Supporters argue that children are being exposed to unsafe content too early, and that restricting access is a necessary measure. Critics, on the other hand, claim that banning platforms may push teens toward unregulated or underground sites that could be even more dangerous.
Child psychologists, educators, and digital safety experts continue to weigh in on the discussion. Some say the ban is a powerful step that will encourage healthier habits, while others believe digital literacy programs and parental involvement may be more effective than bans.
A Long Road Ahead
Although the law is now in effect, it will likely take months for platforms to fully adjust. The government has said it will monitor compliance closely, issue warnings where needed, and enforce penalties when necessary.
For now, the first day has shown that while the law may be groundbreaking, the path to complete enforcement will require continuous technological, legal and social adjustments. The debate about children, safety, and digital freedom is far from over.