Since smartphones became the norm and more parents gave them to their children, social media has been a constant topic of debate. Many parents worry their kids spend too much time on screens.
Now, with AI-generated content flooding social and streaming platforms—and with powerful tools increasingly accessible to younger users—who is most at risk? Australia says those under 16 are.
On Nov. 28, 2024, the Australian government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, introducing a mandatory minimum age of 16 to access certain social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick, according to UNICEF Australia. The ban took effect on Dec. 10, 2025. Existing accounts for users under 16 were deactivated and minors were barred from creating new accounts, though they can still view publicly available posts without an account.
The law aims to protect people under 16 from addictive platform algorithms and harmful content. It also prohibits platforms from requiring government identification as the sole verification method, citing privacy concerns.
Applying age limits to broad platforms—not just messaging apps like WhatsApp—is intended to reduce minors’ exposure to manipulative design features and algorithmic content shifts, such as unseen changes in political content shown on users’ feeds. Crucially, it also seeks to limit young people’s exposure to AI-generated content that can spread misinformation or be harmful.
These restrictions could benefit youths beyond Australia. For instance, in November, a Louisiana middle-school girl was targeted with AI-generated nude images created by two classmates; she was later expelled after confronting them. Stricter age and access controls for generative-AI tools capable of producing NSFW material, as well as limits on the social platforms where such images are shared, might have prevented that incident.
The UK is also considering similar measures: the House of Lords recently approved an amendment to the schools bill that would ban certain social platforms for those under 16, the BBC reports.
Some young people will inevitably try to circumvent laws like Australia’s—social media has been integral to many of their lives, and losing access can seem extreme. Others, however, may experience relief and reduced social and mental pressure from stepping away.
American teens face similar mental-health challenges related to social media use. If other developed countries are moving to shield their youth from the harms of early social-media exposure and the growing risks posed by destructive AI content, the U.S. should consider following suit.