Six months after Australia introduced its world-first ban on social media for under-16s, the policy remains a topic of heated debate. Supporters say it is helping to protect young people online, while critics argue many teenagers are still using social media and that the restrictions are difficult to enforce.
As countries including the UK consider similar measures, and the Australian government promotes the ban as a model for others, parents and carers are being asked to share their experiences. A new survey seeks to understand how the ban has affected families, whether it has reduced children's social media use, or if they have found ways around it.
The ban, which took effect six months ago, was designed to limit access to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for those under 16. However, enforcement challenges and loopholes have raised questions about its effectiveness. Critics point to reports of teenagers using VPNs or borrowing accounts to bypass restrictions.
Proponents argue that even imperfect enforcement sends a strong message and reduces overall exposure. The government is now gathering feedback to assess the ban's impact and refine the policy. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate in the survey to help shape future regulations.
