Australia’s Social Media Ban Begins, but Culture Shift ‘Could Take a Generation’

Apps are locking out under-16s as Australia’s new social media ban rolls out nationwide.

A teenager holds a mobile phone displaying a message from social media platform Instagram after the account was locked for age verification in Sydney on Dec. 9, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Anthony Albanese hopes the teen social media ban will spark a cultural change for Australians, but one expert believes it could take a generation for this to occur.

Australia has become the first nation to introduce age restrictions for social media, with 10 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, required to block anyone under 16 from holding an account.