Social Media Policies: Should the U.S. Follow Suit?

Australia’s national ban on social media for kids under 16 began on December 10, 2025. This is when the law officially took effect, and platforms were required to block under‑16 users or face major penalties. While the results have been mixed, other countries are now considering similar bans. Should the U.S. be one of them? Let’s take a look.

Australia’s Social Media Ban

Children under 16 are not allowed to have accounts on “age‑restricted social media platforms.” The responsibility lies entirely with the platforms, not with parents or children. Platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under‑16s from creating or maintaining accounts. The law specifically applies to platforms that use:

• Algorithmic feeds.
• Infinite scrolling.
• Engagement‑driven design.
• Content recommendation systems.

This new law specifically applies to the following social media platforms:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Snapchat
• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• YouTube (when used as a social platform)
• Threads

The following are not restricted:

• Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger)
• Online gaming platforms
• Professional networking (LinkedIn)
• Education/health platforms (Google Classroom, Headspace, Kids Helpline)

Authorities require social media platforms to comply with the under‑16 restrictions:

• Platforms must block under‑16 accounts:
  • Prevent new under‑16 accounts.
  • Detect and remove existing under‑16 accounts.
  • Maintain ongoing age‑assurance systems.
• Use age‑assurance technology:
  • Age inference (behavioral data, account history).
  • Age estimation (face, voice, language analysis).
  • Age verification (documents like passports).
• Platforms must protect user data. Any data collected for age assurance must be:
  • ring‑fenced
  • destroyed after use

There are significant monetary fines imposed on the platforms for failure to block children under 16 years of age. Kids can still view public social media content without a login, use messaging apps, and play online games. Access to education and health systems remains in place.

Has the Ban Been Successful?

Australia measures the effectiveness of its under‑16 social media ban using formal, multi‑year evaluation criteria led by the eSafety Commissioner and academic partners. The metrics focus on compliance, actual youth behavior, and well‑being outcomes, not just account removals. Public opinion shows cautious optimism, while experts remain divided. Australians base their judgment on early behavior changes, reduced teen usage, and perceived safety improvements, even though many acknowledge the ban is still a “work in progress.”

• 60% of Australian adults believe the ban has been effective so far.
• Parents report noticeable positive changes – 43% saw more in‑person social interaction. 38% saw kids as more present and engaged. 38% saw improved parent‑child relationships.
• Reduced teen usage of major platforms.

Australians Believe the Bans Fall Short:

• Over 20% of under‑16s still use TikTok and Snapchat: raising questions about enforcement.
• Teens are shifting to alternative or less regulated apps.

The general view is that parents and authorities see improvement, but more review is necessary.

Should the U.S. Consider A Similar Ban?

Absolutely. The initial successes are encouraging from both a protection and a behavioral perspective. There are several other countries actively exploring similar bans:

• France
• Denmark
• Spain
• Indonesia
• India
• Brazil (under‑16 with parental consent)
• Austria (proposed under‑14)
• Czech Republic (under‑15)
• Canada (under‑14)
• Germany (active debate)

I recently wrote about the 764 network and the growing threat they pose to our kids online. The social media platforms claim they have protections in place, but apparently, they are not enough. The U.S. must consider a similar ban to protect our kids better.

The Catholic View

While it is commendable that Australia and other nations are taking concrete steps to protect our children better, Jesus would challenge the nations to look deeper—beyond regulation—to the heart, the vulnerable, and the unseen consequences. His response would hold together compassion, truth, and justice, just as He did with every societal issue He confronted. Jesus didn’t just care about children — He re-centered the entire kingdom around them.

Matthew 18:4-5 states:

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”

He takes a child and puts that child at the center, not as an illustration or a sentimental moment, but as the definition of greatness in His kingdom. Our kids today have many distractions, and social media is a major one. Many of the kids are still struggling from the fallout of the pandemic and its impact on mental health. When you combine this with the online threats we see today, a ban such as this makes a lot of sense while we try to recapture the hearts of those who wish children harm.

Please share your thoughts about this article in the “Comments” section.

Peace

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