Use of social media among young Australians under 16 rises after ban

Data from a parental control application, Qustodio, indicates that social media usage among Australians under the age of 16 has been on the rise. This growth has been noted among young people aged 10 to 12 and 13 to 15, despite a ban that was imposed in December 2025.

The ban aimed to reduce children's and adolescents' access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. However, the results are not reflecting what was expected, as the available data suggests a resurgence in the use of these social media platforms.

Reports indicate that many young people are circumventing the ban through the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow them to simulate older ages to access these apps. This practice is contributing to the increased use of social media among the target audience of the ban.

Reports from various sources suggest that the trend of high social media usage may be linked to greater acceptance among young people, particularly during the pandemic when virtual interactions became more relevant.

Although the ban was introduced with the intention of protecting minors, the increasing use raises questions about the effectiveness of restrictive measures in this digital context, as children seem to find ways to bypass the limitations.

The situation raises concerns about monitoring social media use and the need for more effective strategies to ensure the online safety of minors.