Study Reveals High Rate of Social Media Use Among Australian Minors Despite Ban

Published on April 13, 2026

In December 2023, Australia implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. This initiative aimed to foster a safer online environment for youth amid growing concerns about their well-being. However, a recent survey raises questions about the effectiveness of this measure.

The Molly Rose Foundation conducted a study involving 1,050 Australian children aged 12 to 15. Results revealed that 61 percent of these children still accessed social media platforms despite the ban. Many reported that circumventing restrictions was relatively easy, calling into doubt the measure’s intended impact.

Concerns regarding the ban’s effectiveness are echoed , CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation. He cautioned against other nations pursuing similar bans, noting the lack of clear benefits for children’s mental health. The situation suggests that despite legislative efforts, many minors remain undeterred .

In addition to public sentiment, the Australian government is scrutinizing the compliance of major platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Investigations are underway, with potential penalties reaching A$49.5 million. As the eSafety agency prepares to enforce measures, the emphasis remains on addressing the gap between policy intentions and actual user behavior.

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