Australia has officially moved to include YouTube in its pioneering law prohibiting individuals under 16 from operating social media accounts — a reversal of its earlier exemption for the video‑sharing platform. This legislative change solidifies Australia’s position as the first country to enforce such sweeping restrictions.
Originally, Australia had exempted YouTube from the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which came into force in December 2024, and is slated to be implemented by December 2025. The exemption rested on the platform’s perceived educational value. However, newly released data from the eSafety Commissioner prompted a policy shift: YouTube was found to be the most common source of harmful experiences reported by children, accounting for 37 percent of all incidents — more than any other platform.
Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed the government will now treat YouTube as an age‑restricted social media platform, meaning minors will not be allowed to hold personal accounts. Children may still access public content via logged‑out modes or through adult accounts, but the creation and use of teen or child YouTube profiles will be banned from December 2025.
The initial legislation, passed by Parliament in late November 2024, mandated a minimum age of 16 for social media registration, with high penalties—up to AU $49.5 million—for platforms that fail to enforce the rules. The burden of compliance lies with the platforms, not parents or young people, and parental consent or existing accounts offer no exception. Exemptions remain in place for services deemed essential for education or healthcare, such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, health‑oriented platforms, and certain gaming services.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the expansion of the ban as a response to mounting concerns over social media’s negative impacts on children’s mental health and wellbeing. “We know that social media is doing social harm,” he said, defending the government’s Plan as a necessary step to protect young Australians during a lifetime stage of critical development.
Reactions have been divided. A national poll conducted in late 2024 indicated broad public support: up to 77 percent backed the under‑16s ban, though more than half expressed skepticism about the law’s effectiveness, worried that children could bypass it using parents’ or older friends’ accounts.
Critics, including child rights advocates and digital safety experts, argue the policy is overly blunt and may inadvertently increase risk. Removing access to features such as Restricted Mode and individualized controls could leave minors more exposed when browsing anonymously. Experts urge investment in improved digital literacy education, algorithm transparency, and safer platform design instead of blanket bans.
Concerns have also arisen over the efficacy of age verification systems. Trials of technology from schemes like the UK’s Age Check Certification Scheme have shown promise, but experts warn inexpensive fake‑ID software could undermine enforcement. The government commissioned a A$3.4 million trial to evaluate real‑world feasibility by mid‑2025.
One notable dissenting voice comes from parents of neurodivergent children who have found YouTube empowering. A mother of an autistic teen highlighted how the platform enabled her son to build community, develop confidence, and even generate income through mentorship and creative content — experiences that she fears will be lost under the new restrictions.
The government emphasizes that the law is not intended as a comprehensive solution but as a critical first step. Minister Wells has affirmed that Australia will continue reviewing global best practices and may advocate for similar child safety measures at international forums, such as the UN in September.
As implementation deadlines approach, questions remain around enforcement mechanisms and unintended consequences. Still, Australia’s bold strategy is likely to influence global debates over how best to balance child safety with access and equality in the digital age.
