Australia Removes 4.7M Youth Social Media Accounts Under New Law

UPDATE: Over 4.7 million social media accounts belonging to Australians under the age of 16 have been removed since the implementation of a new youth ban, officials announced just moments ago. This significant action, taken by the Australian government, aims to protect children from potential online dangers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “Our government has acted to help keep kids safe online.” He emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that while change takes time, the initial results indicate a necessary shift in protecting the country’s youth.

The law, regarded as “world-leading,” went into effect on December 11, 2023. It mandates that all major social media platforms remove accounts held by users under 16 years old and prevent the creation of new accounts. Platforms impacted include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and Snapchat. Others like Bluesky, Steam, and WhatsApp may be added later depending on user growth.

According to government statistics, approximately 2.5 million Australians aged 8 to 15 are affected by this law. A staggering 84% of children aged 8 to 12 were reported to have social media accounts in 2025. Minister for Communications Anika Wells highlighted the positive impact on families, stating, “Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhood back.”

The initial figures were presented to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. She confirmed that all ten major platforms are currently in compliance. Inman Grant assured reporters that the numbers reflect reality, with over 95% of youth using YouTube alone.

However, not everyone supports the ban. Earlier this week, Meta expressed concerns that excluding youth from their platforms could lead to increased social isolation for vulnerable teens. Inman Grant countered, emphasizing the focus on safeguarding children from predatory practices by social media companies.

Research from the University of Queensland indicates that teenagers face heightened risks of harm, social isolation, and mental health issues due to social media use. A recent 2024 study by Orygen found nearly all Australian youth engage with social media daily, with 40% spending three or more hours online.

As the government moves forward, they plan to develop digital action plans aimed at enhancing digital literacy among youth. Inman Grant reassured parents that the initiative is not about restricting technology access but rather ensuring a safer online environment for children.

The announcement follows Meta’s report of over 500,000 accounts removed from its platforms, demonstrating a proactive approach to compliance ahead of the law’s enforcement.

With these developments, parents and guardians across Australia can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their children’s online safety is being prioritized. The Australian government is committed to ensuring that children can enjoy their formative years free from the pressures and dangers of social media.

Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold, and monitor official channels for updates on compliance and future actions.