2026-08-03 12:01:33

A majority of Australian teens are still on social media – despite the government’s crackdown.

In 2025, Australia became the first country in the world to introduce a ban on ‌social media for under-16s – but new research shows that more than eight in 10 teens remain on social media platforms.

Despite this, Andrew Leigh, the assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury, doesn’t have any regrets about the ban, describing it as “an important game changer in the conversation among parents”.

In an official transcript, he explained: “We’ve ‌had millions of accounts shut down. We never expected that this would have 100 percent compliance.

“We don’t get 100 percent compliance out of minimum drinking age ⁠laws, but it’s still appropriate that we have that ​law on the books.”

A new eSafety study has revealed that Australian children aged 10 ​to 15 were using social media just as often in March ⁠as they had before the ban came into force.

Earlier this year, meanwhile, scientists warned that sweeping restrictions on teenagers’ access to social media could do more harm than good.

In a paper published in the British Medical Journal, researchers said policies similar to those being introduced or considered around the world, including Australia’s under-16 social media ban, risk producing unintended consequences while leaving the root issues unchanged.

According to the researchers, banning access to major platforms could simply encourage young people to migrate to private or less regulated online spaces that are more difficult for parents, educators and authorities to monitor.

One adolescent contributor to the paper said: “Social media platforms are a place where friendships are made, where people can find communities, express themselves, learn new things, and sometimes a place to escape difficult situations.”

The contributor added: “I have had friends reach out to me on social media about things they aren’t comfortable talking to family members about, and I have done the same. Without social media, what could we have done?”

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