Australia implemented a ban on all social media platforms for children under the age of 16 on Dec. 10, 2025.
Platforms currently under the ban include Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick and Twitch.
This ban is the first of its kind, in an era where social media has become a hot topic with world leaders and parents alike. The ban comes after many claims that social media has a negative impact on children and teens. According to the Mayo Clinic, using social media can expose teens and children to cyberbullying, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, one study in England of more than 12,000 teens ages 13-16 found that using social media more than three times a day caused poor mental health and well-being.
Keziah Ocholi is a junior at TuHS and is one of many students who spend time on social media.
“I think it all depends on what communities you engage in online. I’ve definitely seen how social media can negatively impact people’s lives, but I personally try to stay away from anything too depressing, harmful or hateful for my own benefit,” says Ocholi.
One lingering question many people are wondering is how this can be enforced? As of Jan. 12, Meta, the parent company of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, has blocked over half a million accounts for under-16s. However, although the ban prevents under-16s from posting, content can still be viewed on platforms that don’t require an account.
While many countries all over the world weigh their options for how to approach social media, teens in the U.S. wonder how this will affect some of their favorite ways to use social media.
“I find myself mostly watching videos about other people’s thoughts on things that I like (music, TV shows, pop culture). I don’t really post, and if I’m talking to my friends online, it’s just me liking their post or them liking mine,” said Ocholi.
Would this kind of ban be beneficial to teens and children overall? People’s opinions vary on whether it would be effective and if it would be a long-term solution to a complex issue.
“It probably would be beneficial, but I doubt that it would work. There are a lot of people with opinions in this country, and it’s hard to satisfy everyone,” said Ocholi.
