On December 10, 2025, Australia embarked on a groundbreaking journey in child welfare with the implementation of a national prohibition on social media accounts for children under 16. This move, supported by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), comes in response to alarming mental health trends among adolescents, particularly linked to their online presence.
Dr. Michael Wright, president of the RACGP, articulated the pressing need for this initiative, highlighting the detrimental effects social media can have on young people’s wellbeing. “Much of that happens on social media,” he noted, emphasizing the extensive time children spend online, which disrupts their sleep and overall health. Recent studies corroborate these concerns; research has shown a troubling rise in anxiety, bullying, and exposure to harmful content among youth engaging with social media platforms.
Statistics from the 2021 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study paint a stark picture: approximately 7% of 15 to 17-year-olds suffer from long-term mental health conditions requiring professional treatment. Furthermore, diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses among this age group have tripled since 2009, with 19% now affected. The urgency of the situation is underscored by an analysis from the University of Adelaide, which revealed a dramatic increase in daily social media usage among students aged 11 to 14—from just 26% in 2019 to a staggering 85% in 2022. Meanwhile, the number of non-users plummeted from 31% to a mere 3%.
The new regulations mandate that major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, Reddit, Snapchat, Twitch, Kick, Threads, and YouTube, must take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. However, Dr. Tim Jones, chair of the RACGP’s Specific Interest Child and Young Person area, cautions against complacency. He pointed out that while this policy may reduce algorithmic targeting of children, it does not guarantee complete shielding from harmful content or online interactions. “It’s not a silver bullet,” he warned, referencing guidelines from eSafety that underscore the need for continued vigilance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded this initiative as a “proud day” for Australian families, framing it as a significant step towards reclaiming childhood from the grasp of technology giants. At the official launch held at Kirribilli House, alongside Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, he declared, “This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these Big Tech companies. They are asserting the right of kids to be kids and for parents to have greater peace of mind.”
This legislation reflects a growing global acknowledgment of the need to protect children from the adverse effects of social media. As countries grapple with similar issues, Australia’s approach may serve as a model for other nations seeking to balance technological advancement with the mental health and safety of younger generations. The conversation surrounding this topic is evolving, and it is clear that proactive measures, such as the one implemented in Australia, are crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by social media in our children’s lives.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
