In Australia, where social media use has been banned for minors, 6 in 10 continue to use social media

A survey of 1,050 children found that about 61% of under-16s in Australia still accessed at least one social media platform after the new ban took effect in December 2025.

The law is the world’s first age-based social media restriction, but the findings suggest weak enforcement and major gaps in age verification and account suspension.

The result could prompt a rethink of legal safeguards and platform responsibility for child safety online.