Australian Teens Rebel Against New Social Media Ban

Wed Dec 10 2025 09:43:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A controversial new law banning Australian children under 16 from social media is causing unrest among teens who feel their freedom of communication is being curtailed.

The recent ban on social media usage for children under 16 in Australia has sparked significant debate. While some support the measure for its aim to protect children from online dangers, others, including teenagers like Breanna Easton, argue it limits their social interaction and personal growth. Parents and educators are divided on the implications of this policy, highlighting a challenging balance between safety and freedom in the digital age.

Australian Teens Rebel Against New Social Media Ban

School is out for the year, but the summer holidays aren't exactly a break for 15-year-old Breanna Easton - that is when she's hard at work mustering cattle on the family's station. It's the freedom, the space you have to move, Breanna says, listing all the things she loves about her life, which is located 1,600km north-east of Brisbane in Australia’s outback.

Yet, like most teens, Breanna is also deeply attached to her smartphone. The internet access in the all-terrain buggy she uses to herd cattle allows her to message friends while working. However, the recent enforcement of a ban on social media for children under 16 has left her feeling isolated. Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other, she says.

This law, which took effect after a year in the making, aims to protect children from the pressures and dangers of social media. Supporters argue it’s a necessary step, while opponents believe it could push youth toward less monitored online spaces.

Not everyone shares the same concerns. For instance, 14-year-old Jacinta Hickey feels it's insulting that adults think children her age can't handle social media. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Lola Farrugia isn't fazed by the ban; she prefers face-to-face interactions over her friends.

The ban, introduced by Premier Peter Malinauskas after discussions sparked by a book on the detrimental effects of social media, has already been met with pushback and potential legal challenges.

As this social media ban unfolds, teenagers across Australia are grappling with the loss of what has been their primary connection to friends and community. They stand at the center of a growing debate about digital safety and the autonomy of youth in an increasingly connected world.