Social Media Use Among Australian Under-16s Rises Despite Legislative Ban

Australia introduced a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, aiming to reduce youth exposure to harmful online content. However, new data suggests that social media usage among this age group has actually increased since the ban took effect. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of age-based restrictions and the ability of platforms to enforce compliance. Observers and policymakers are now reassessing whether the legislation is achieving its intended goals or inadvertently driving usage underground.