Australia’s groundbreaking ban on social media use for children under 16 will now extend to Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick, officials announced Tuesday. The expanded list brings the total number of restricted platforms to nine, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and Threads.
The new law, the first of its kind globally, will take effect on December 10, with tech companies facing fines of up to A$50 million (US$32.5 million) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to block new accounts for minors and deactivate existing ones.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the decision aims to protect children from manipulative design features common across social platforms.
“Delaying children’s access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll,” she said in a statement.
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The government said the chosen platforms were included because their “sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.” Officials added that more sites could be added to the list as digital environments evolve.
Platforms not covered by the ban include messaging services like Discord and WhatsApp, as well as gaming and educational platforms such as Roblox, Lego Play, Google Classroom, and YouTube Kids.
How the ban will be enforced remains unclear. The government has yet to detail how platforms should verify users’ ages, though methods being explored include official ID verification, parental consent systems, or facial recognition technology.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the policy was not about perfection but about reducing harm.
“We aren’t chasing perfection; we are chasing a meaningful difference,” she said, warning that platforms currently exercise “chilling control” over young users.
The policy has attracted global attention, with other countries reportedly monitoring Australia’s rollout as a potential model for child safety regulation.
Polls indicate that most Australian adults support the under-16 social media ban, viewing it as a necessary step to protect children from online harm. However, mental health experts and child advocacy groups are divided.
Some warn the policy may cut off vital social connections for teens and push them toward less-regulated corners of the internet. Others argue that instead of age-based bans, governments should focus on stronger moderation and education programs to prepare children for safe online engagement.
The decision has already affected content creators. A popular Australian influencer family with millions of YouTube followers recently announced plans to relocate to the UK so their 14-year-old daughter can continue producing online content.
YouTube, initially excluded from the ban, was added after research showed it was the most frequently cited platform where children aged 10–15 encountered harmful material. Under the new rules, teens under 16 can still watch videos without an account, but they will no longer be able to upload, comment, or interact on the platform.