Australia’s unique social media age restrictions for users under 16 have shown limited effectiveness, as per a recent study. Despite the regulations, over 85% of under-16s continued using restricted platforms, often through their own or shared accounts. The study, led by Australia’s University of Newcastle, monitored 408 adolescents aged 12 to 17 before and after the implementation of the Online Safety Amendment Act in 2025.
The research revealed that many adolescents bypassed age verification measures, such as using fake accounts or accessing platforms through others’ accounts. The study highlighted that 15-19% of adolescents resorted to fake accounts, while 9-29% used someone else’s account to access social media. Additionally, up to 11% reported using private browser modes to evade restrictions.
Despite the introduction of the legislation, overall social media usage patterns among adolescents did not significantly change. Daily social media use remained consistent among 12-13-year-olds, slightly decreased in 14-15-year-olds, and rose in those over 16. The study emphasized the importance of evaluating the policy’s implementation, considering the global interest it has garnered from countries like Britain, France, and Spain, which are also exploring similar regulations.
Australia’s move to restrict social media access for under-16s has sparked international attention, leading other countries to consider similar measures. Co-author Professor Luke Wolfenden highlighted that the effectiveness of such regulations will hinge on the stringent enforcement of age verification systems over time. The research team acknowledged that the true impact of the legislation may take years to fully manifest, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation.
