Molly Rose Foundation finds majority of Australian teens bypass social media ban
Updated
Updated · Fortune · Apr 25
Molly Rose Foundation finds majority of Australian teens bypass social media ban
8 articles · Updated · Fortune · Apr 25
A survey of 1,050 Australians aged 12 to 15 found over 60% retained access to at least one social media platform despite the under-16 ban.
Teens used methods like facial recognition workarounds, VPNs, and parental credentials to evade restrictions, with two-thirds reporting platforms took no action to remove existing accounts.
The findings raise concerns about the ban's effectiveness as Australia faces scrutiny from regulators and advocates, while other countries consider similar measures amid ongoing debate over social media's impact on youth.
Do social media bans harm vulnerable youth who rely on platforms for crucial support?
Why do most adults believe the ban is working when 60% of teens are still online?
With US courts blocking similar laws, is a global youth social media ban legally impossible?
As teens easily bypass Australia's ban, is 'Safety by Design' the only realistic solution?
Could forcing tech to remove addictive features be more effective than banning teens?
Social Media Bans for Under-16s: Australia’s 10-15% Usage Drop Highlights Global Enforcement and Privacy Dilemmas
Overview
The UK government launched a consultation in early 2026 on restricting social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's December 2025 ban. However, Australia's ban has only modestly reduced underage usage due to widespread circumvention by teens using fake birthdates and shared accounts, leading to ongoing investigations into major platforms for non-compliance. While some wellbeing improvements were noted, many youths shifted to less regulated apps, reducing parental oversight and raising privacy concerns over intrusive age checks. These challenges have fueled global debate, with advocates urging a focus on platform accountability and safer design rather than blanket bans, influencing cautious UK policymaking.