Australian Prime Minister Vows to Toughen Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Anthony Albanese’s remarks come a day after a study found that 85 percent of Australian teens were still using social media months after the ban was instituted.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney, Australia, on June 18, 2026. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on June 26, vowed to beef up the country’s laws banning social media for under-16s, after several studies showed the prohibition was having little effect.

“What we want to do is to make sure that the laws are as strong as possible and that they will withstand any legal challenges which are made,” Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).