Only six per cent of Australians under 16 follow social media bans

Only six percent of Australian teenagers under 16 years old comply with the social media ban, according to recent findings. The law, which prohibits minors under 16 from having accounts on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, has been in effect since December 2025. Despite being one of the strictest regulations of its kind globally, compliance among young Australians appears minimal. A study conducted by researchers led by behavioral economist Christopher Roth from the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Economics reveals that just six months after the law took effect, only six percent of 14- and 15-year-olds adhere to the restrictions. This figure dropped significantly from 27 percent in April and 15 percent in June, indicating a growing disregard for the legislation. The research team surveyed approximately 970 Australian youth aged 13 to 18 in March and April, followed by a second survey involving 792 participants in June, many of whom had taken part in the initial round. Results show that instead of declining, usage of banned platforms increased. Among 14- and 15-year-olds, the percentage who used at least one prohibited platform within the past week rose from 64 percent in April to 92 percent in June. Roth stated in a press release from the Max Planck Society that the law has yet to achieve sufficient impact. “The usage has even increased,” he noted. He emphasized that the effectiveness of the regulation is undermined by loopholes that allow easy circumvention of age restrictions. Many teenagers find ways around the law through methods such as providing false birth dates, using virtual private networks (VPNs), or accessing accounts created by siblings or parents. Three-quarters of the youths described these methods as simple or very simple. Sixty percent of 14- and 15-year-olds have not deleted their accounts despite the ban. Approximately one in five users who continue to engage with social media report receiving help from adults, parents, older siblings, or other adults, in setting up new accounts after being blocked. Technical enforcement alone does not suffice, according to the researchers. As long as platforms permit bypassing the restrictions, the law remains easily circumvented. Social factors play a more critical role than technical barriers. What matters most is not what the law demands but what friends and peers do. Roth summarized this insight by stating, “The cool ones stay online.” Behind this observation lies the well-known phenomenon of fear of missing out (FOMO), the anxiety of losing connection with others. Those who leave platforms like Instagram or TikTok while their peer group remains active risk not only entertainment loss but also social exclusion. Researchers sought to determine when teenagers would consider leaving social media voluntarily. On average, respondents indicated they would only consider stepping away if about two-thirds of their age group did the same. Australia is far from reaching that threshold. In fact, many young people returned to the platforms after initially leaving. Half of the surveyed individuals reported initially leaving the platforms but later creating new accounts once they realized the majority of their peers remained online. This trend highlights the powerful influence of social dynamics over legal mandates. The findings suggest that the success of similar laws proposed in Europe, including Austria’s planned legislation set to take effect in 2027, will depend heavily on addressing both technological and social challenges. The study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies beyond mere legal restrictions to effectively manage youth engagement with social media.