What is the "D-Day" for social media age restrictions?

On December 10, new age restrictions are set to take effect on several major social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

Which social media platforms will be affected by the new age limits?

The article mentions that Google's YouTube, Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) will be subject to the new age restrictions.

How will the lives of under-16s change after the new rules are implemented?

The article states that the details of how these restrictions will be implemented and enforced remain unclear, leaving the "anxious generation" of young people facing an uncertain future online.

Home / Technology / Countdown to D-Day: Smartphone Restrictions for Under-16s Loom

Countdown to D-Day: Smartphone Restrictions for Under-16s Loom

10 Nov

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Summary

December 10 is the deadline for new age restrictions on social media platforms
YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok among the affected platforms
Uncertainty remains around the real-world impact on under-16s

Countdown to D-Day: Smartphone Restrictions for Under-16s Loom

As the calendar turns to November 2025, a significant change is on the horizon for young social media users. On December 10, new age restrictions are set to take effect, impacting platforms like Google's YouTube, Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok.

According to the article, the eSafety Commissioner is not banning smartphones entirely for under-16s, but several high-profile platforms will be subject to the new rules. This includes not only the Meta-owned services, but also Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, and even the recently rebranded X (formerly Twitter).

However, the details of how these restrictions will be implemented and enforced remain murky. The article notes that the "cloak-and-dagger" approach often employed by social media providers is continuing, despite the eSafety Commissioner's emphasis on transparency.