Australia's ban on social media for those under 16, which came into effect at the end of 2025, appears to be showing its limitations. According to data from the parental control app Qustodio published on Wednesday, teenagers' use of several platforms has gradually increased after the sharp decline recorded when the law came into force, despite it being presented as a pioneering measure designed to protect minors.
The phenomenon particularly affects TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. In July 2026, 11,36% of 10-12 year olds were using TikTok, compared to 10,73% in November 2025, just before the ban, while 25,96% of 13-15 year olds were still using the app, only about one percentage point lower than before the ban. Qustodio's data also shows a shift in some usage towards WhatsApp, which is not affected by the Australian legislation.
These workarounds undermine the effectiveness of the measure.
According to Yasmin London, online security expert at Qustodio, young people can circumvent restrictions by using VPNs or falsifying their age, while some messaging platforms are exempt. Qustodio compiled its statistics from anonymized monthly data on users under 16, defining usage as at least five consecutive minutes of access during the month. The Australian government defends the ban in the name of protecting children from online harassment and predatory algorithms.
The effectiveness of the measure is, however, a subject of debate. A study published in June by a team of researchers based in Australia concluded that there is little evidence, at this stage, to establish that the ban is producing the desired effects. The measure, strongly criticized by the technology sector, had nevertheless inspired several initiatives abroad, notably in France and the United Kingdom. The gradual return of young people to certain platforms could thus illustrate the difficulties encountered by policies aimed at limiting minors' access to social media.
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