3 outlets·3 reports
Australia's social media ban for under-16s has had limited impact so far
ThinkingNews Desk · how this was written
Most Australian teenagers continue to use social media despite the under-16 ban that began in December 2025, with usage still high three months later. Official data show the proportion of under-16s on social platforms dropped to about 81.5% in March 2026 from roughly 85.9% before the ban, indicating only a modest decline.
Written from all 3 reports below, not from any single one.
How it was reported
- The Next Web·Most Australian teens are still on social media three months into the under-16 ban
- TechMeme·Australia's online safety regulator says social media use among under-16s fell to 81.5% in March 2026, compared to 85.9% before ban took effect in December 2025 (Angus Whitley/Bloomberg)
- Engadget·Australia's social media ban for under-16s has had limited impact so far
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