Meta has begun restricting access to Instagram, Threads, and Facebook for minors under 16 in Australia, preceding the implementation of the country’s new youth social media ban
Australia is set to implement the social media ban on 10 December 2025, restricting all users under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, Threads and X. Some apps and websites, such as WhatsApp, Roblox and Pinterest, are exempt, but the list will go through more changes.
Australia is the first country to implement such comprehensive age restrictions for social media. The outcome from this is being closely watched by governments worldwide as there are rumors of the possibility to do the same in other parts of the world.