Australian Report Finds Most Children Under 16 Still Accessing Social Media Despite Age Restrictions

A government-mandated social media ban for children under 16, set to take effect in late 2025, faces challenges as platforms rely on self-declared ages.

• A report by Australia's eSafety Commission reveals that 95% of children under 16 used at least one social media platform in 2024, despite age restrictions.
• The study found 80% of children aged 8 to 12 accessed social media, with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat being the most popular platforms.
• Social media platforms, except Reddit, require users to enter their date of birth during sign-up but primarily rely on self-declaration without robust verification tools.
• Platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, Snapchat, and YouTube have implemented proactive measures like AI-driven age estimation, but enforcement remains inconsistent across the industry.
• Australia's social media ban for under-16s, approved in November 2024, aims to set a global precedent but highlights the need for shared responsibility among platforms, app stores, and caregivers to ensure compliance.

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