Social Media Ban in Australia: A Month Later, How Children Feel About the Change

On December 10, 2025, Australia became the first country to impose a social media ban on children under 16, a move that has significantly impacted the daily routines of many teenagers.

Amy, a 14-year-old girl from Sydney, shares that she feels "free" after a month of being disconnected from platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. Initially, she struggled with withdrawal symptoms but has since found alternative ways to spend her time, including going for runs instead of scrolling through Snapchat. She writes in her diary: "Now I feel more free, as I don't have to worry about maintaining streaks."

However, not all children are embracing the change. 13-year-old Ahil, for example, continues using other platforms like YouTube and Roblox, despite the ban on major social media apps. His mother noticed a shift in his behavior, with him becoming more irritable and spending more time on video games.

Psychologists suggest that these changes may be the result of losing a coping mechanism, as many teens used social media to manage boredom, stress, and social anxiety. It remains unclear whether these new habits will stick, or whether teens will return to their old ways once the ban ends.

The Australian government has implemented the ban to protect children from online bullying and harmful content, but its long-term effectiveness is still uncertain. With many teens turning to alternatives like WhatsApp and Messenger, the ultimate success of the policy depends on how well these new coping strategies evolve.