What is the current social media ban in Australia?

Australia has implemented a ban preventing under-16s from accessing social media accounts or creating new ones.

How does the Australian social media ban affect families?

Parents report varied effects, with some concerned about lost family time and mental health, while others value the connection it provides.

Who is affected by Australia's social media ban?

The ban specifically targets millions of children under the age of 16 across Australia.

Home / Technology / Social Media Ban Divides Australian Parents

Social Media Ban Divides Australian Parents

10 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Australia's social media ban affects millions of under-16s.
Parents report mixed impacts: some cite time loss, others connection.
Reader feedback reveals diverse family experiences with the ban.

Social Media Ban Divides Australian Parents

Australia's nationwide social media ban, implemented recently, has significantly impacted families with children under 16. Millions of young individuals are now restricted from accessing their existing accounts and creating new ones, marking a substantial shift in their digital lives.

The consequences of this policy are viewed through a spectrum of parental concerns and benefits. Some parents lament the loss of quality family time, attributing a decline in their children's mental well-being to excessive social media use. Conversely, many parents highlight social media's crucial role in maintaining their children's social connections and support networks.

Guardian Australia's outreach to its readers has gathered over 100 personal accounts, revealing the multifaceted effects of the ban. These firsthand perspectives offer a complex picture, prompting ongoing discussion about whether this legislative measure is a beneficial intervention or a significant policy misstep for Australian families.