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Australia's Youth Social Media Ban Ineffective for Teens

6/12/2026

31 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Six months after Australia introduced a nationwide ban on social-media accounts for anyone under 16, most teenagers still access the platforms.
Parent Naomi Parrish reports that her 12-year-old son Ethan asks daily to download TikTok, yet she refuses under the law.
Some observers argue the ban may deter younger children who have not yet joined social media, keeping them offline.

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Story summary

Six months after Australia introduced a nationwide ban on social-media accounts for anyone under 16, most teenagers still access the platforms.
Parent Naomi Parrish reports that her 12-year-old son Ethan asks daily to download TikTok, yet she refuses under the law.
Some observers argue the ban may deter younger children who have not yet joined social media, keeping them offline.