**Title: Most Australian Teens Continue Using Social Media Despite Under-16 Ban**
**Date: August 1, 2026**
In a recent study conducted by Australia’s eSafety regulator, it has been revealed that more than 80% of Australian teenagers are still actively using social media platforms, despite a government-imposed ban on access for users under the age of 16 that was enacted three months ago. This ban, which took effect on December 10, 2025, was introduced to address growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on the mental and physical well-being of children and adolescents.
The findings of the study, released on Friday, indicate that the ban has not significantly altered the online behavior of young Australians aged 10 to 15. Prior to the ban, approximately 86% of surveyed children reported using at least one age-restricted social media platform. Three months after the implementation of the ban, that number has only slightly decreased to over 81%.
Among the teenagers surveyed, about 58% reported using social media on a daily basis, a figure that shows minimal change from the 60% who did so prior to the ban. The report suggests that many children have either retained their existing accounts or created new ones, primarily due to the ineffective age verification measures employed by social media companies. According to the eSafety report, around half of the children who managed to keep their accounts indicated that the platforms had not performed any age checks. Others reported that their accounts were falsely listed as being for users aged 16 or older, or that the age-checking systems had inaccurately assessed their age.
The Australian government has defended the ban in light of these findings. Andrew Leigh, the assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities, and treasury, emphasized the importance of the ban in reshaping discussions among parents about their children’s social media use. He stated, “We’ve had millions of accounts shut down,” and acknowledged that while complete compliance was not expected, the law serves a critical purpose similar to regulations on the minimum drinking age.
The introduction of this landmark ban has drawn international attention, with other nations observing Australia’s approach as they consider similar restrictions on social media access for minors. The Australian government’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the potential risks associated with social media use among younger populations, including issues related to mental health and social development.
Despite the challenges posed by the ban, the study found that there has been little change in other areas of children's lives, including participation in sports, arts, music, and community events. This suggests that while social media remains a significant part of teenagers' daily routines, their engagement in other activities has not drastically declined.
As the debate surrounding the regulation of social media for minors continues, the Australian government remains committed to monitoring the effectiveness of the ban and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by digital platforms. The eSafety report serves as a critical reminder of the complexities involved in enforcing age restrictions in an increasingly digital world, where technology often outpaces regulatory measures.
The ongoing situation raises important questions about the responsibilities of tech companies in ensuring the safety of young users and the effectiveness of government regulations in protecting children from potential online harms. As the landscape of social media evolves, both policymakers and parents will need to navigate these challenges carefully to foster a safer online environment for future generations.