Australia expands social media ban for under-16s to include Reddit and Kick

Australia is set to introduce a groundbreaking social media ban that will prevent children under the age of 16 from accessing major online platforms, marking one of the most ambitious digital safety measures in the world. The ban, which takes effect on December 10, will include Reddit and Kick alongside seven other major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. This announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells, who emphasized that the decision is aimed at ensuring children’s online safety and protecting their mental and emotional well-being.

According to Australia’s Online Safety Commissioner, the inclusion of Reddit and Kick reflects the government’s intent to broaden the scope of the policy beyond the most commonly used social media apps. Wells said that the platforms’ use of algorithms and data-driven technology to target children has become increasingly concerning, describing their control as “chilling.” She stressed that if these companies possess the technological capability to engage and monitor users for profit, they should also be capable of using the same technology to safeguard young people from harmful content and exploitation.

Wells further revealed that the government has been in active discussions with several social media platforms over the past month. The goal of these meetings, she explained, was to ensure that the companies fully understand the seriousness of the new law and the expectation that they comply without delay. “There is no excuse for failure to implement this law,” she told reporters in Canberra, making it clear that enforcement will be strict and accountability will be demanded.

The Communications Minister also underlined the broader social motivations behind the policy. “We want children to have a childhood, and we want parents to have peace of mind,” she said, reflecting concerns among Australian families and policymakers about the negative effects of excessive social media exposure on children’s mental health, attention span, and safety.

Social media companies have had 12 months to prepare for this sweeping change since the Australian Parliament passed its landmark online safety legislation in November 2024. Initially, discussions about the ban centered on the biggest platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube—but the list was later expanded to include additional services like Reddit and Kick. Wells also noted that the list could continue to evolve as new platforms emerge or existing ones change their policies and user demographics.

However, the new law has not been without controversy. More than 140 Australian and international academics signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, expressing their opposition to the age limit ban. They criticized it as a “blunt instrument,” arguing that such blanket restrictions might not effectively address the complexities of online harm and could instead infringe on young people’s rights to digital participation and expression.

Despite this opposition, Australia’s move is being closely observed by other countries that share growing concerns about the effects of online platforms on children. As governments worldwide grapple with the balance between freedom of expression, parental control, and child protection, Australia’s policy is emerging as a key global test case for regulating social media access among minors.

In summary, Australia’s under-16 social media ban represents a significant step in redefining digital responsibility. It underscores a growing international recognition of the need to protect children from online manipulation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content—while sparking a broader debate about how best to achieve safety without limiting the benefits of the digital age.