Australian teens bypass social media ban despite restrictions

7 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Apr 27

A YouthInsight survey of 1,050 Australians aged 12–15 found over 60% still access at least one banned platform, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Two-thirds of respondents said platforms took no action to remove them, highlighting ineffective enforcement by tech companies despite the threat of $33 million fines.
Australia reported 5 million accounts deactivated but remains dissatisfied with compliance, considering enforcement actions against Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube as the ban enters its fourth month.

Why do most under-16 Australians still access banned social media despite government crackdowns and millions of account removals?

Could Australia's social media ban actually harm vulnerable youth by cutting off vital support networks and safe spaces?

What alternative strategies could better protect young people online without invasive surveillance or blanket bans?

Does recent research really support the idea that reducing social media time improves adolescent mental health?

Are age-verification systems creating new privacy and security risks that outweigh their intended benefits for teens?