Australian Youth Bid Farewell to Social Media

Each morning, Jade Clements starts her day by filming content about getting ready for the day to share with her peers. According to Clements, recording and immediately sharing her routines is something she thoroughly enjoys. She resides in Melbourne, Australia, and utilizes several social platforms, an experience shared by many her age.

For communication and entertainment, Clements uses Snapchat, Pinterest, and TikTok, much like her peers. However, unlike others her age, she also runs professional social media accounts, boasting over 37,000 followers, where she frequently uploads product insights and showcases her modeling and acting ventures.

This lifestyle is set for significant change as Australia's legislation banning social media usage for individuals under 16 comes into effect on December 10, 2025. The new rule leaves Clements worried about feeling isolated and disconnected from the world.

There is a growing awareness of the potential harmful effects of social media on young people globally. Even adolescents recognize the possible damage these platforms can cause. Australia has taken the lead with its Social Media Minimum Age Bill, passed in December 2024, penalizing platforms like TikTok and Instagram that fail to enforce these age restrictions.

Adjusting to New Regulations

In reaction, several platforms are implementing tougher age verification policies. Young influencers are also adapting. Fourteen-year-old Zoey Bender, fond of creating content about school and friendship advice, decided to alter her TikTok handle, now managed by her father, to evade account termination.

Many teens, inspired by Bender, have adopted similar measures to avoid the loss of their accounts. While this may keep their accounts active, reduced interaction and follower count could diminish their earnings, which, although modest, are a significant part of their interests.

Bender was initially dismissive of the law, but its impending implementation led her to campaign against it, collecting thousands of signatures in an attempt to lower the age requirement to 13. This activism has boosted her confidence and transformed her into a local figure.

Bender believes her online experiences have been invaluable, teaching her practical skills that she finds more insightful than traditional schooling. She does acknowledge, however, that excessive social media use is a widespread issue, not just a teenage one.

Potential Loopholes and Alternatives

Some young people, like 12-year-old Ava Jones, expect that the ban won't be effective as many can bypass age restrictions by providing false information. According to a survey, a vast majority of young users intend to continue using social media despite the new law.

Many, including Clements and Bender, argue for parental regulation of social media, highlighting existing practices in their own homes to supervise online activity effectively. They express concerns that the legislation disrupts their social connectivity and community involvement.

For these teens, the ban threatens not only their audiences but their social circles. Platforms like Snapchat are critical for communication, and without them, they face the daunting prospect of resorting to more traditional, less familiar communication methods.