Instagram Begins Shutting Down Australian Teen Accounts Ahead of New Under-16 Social Media Ban
Teenagers aged 13 to 15 in Australia are starting to receive notices that their social media accounts will soon disappear, as the country moves toward enforcing a first-of-its-kind ban on under-16s using major platforms.
Meta — the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads — confirmed that it has begun contacting young users through text messages, emails, and in-app alerts. The company says accounts belonging to anyone believed to be under 16 will start being disabled from 4 December, days before the national ban takes effect on 10 December.
The sweeping law restricts access to a wide range of platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat. Australia says the goal is simple: reducing social-media-related risks for children and giving them back some freedom from online pressure.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the ban “world-leading,” saying it is designed to help “kids be kids again.”
Tech companies, including Meta, oppose the move but say they will comply.
Hundreds of Thousands of Teen Accounts Affected
Australia’s online safety regulator estimates:
- 150,000 Facebook users in Australia are aged 13–15
- 350,000 Instagram users fall within the same age group
Beginning 4 December:
- Under-16s will no longer be able to create new accounts on Meta platforms
- Existing teen accounts flagged as underage will be shut down
- Users can download their photos, videos, and messages before removal
Meta is also urging young users to update their contact information so they can be notified once they reach the legal age to rejoin.
How Teens Can Challenge an Account Shutdown
Meta says teens who believe they are old enough to use their platforms can appeal the restriction. To verify their age, they can:
- Submit a video selfie for AI-based age estimation
- Upload a driver’s licence or other government-issued ID
These verification methods were reviewed earlier this year by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS). While the ACCS acknowledged that each method can be useful, it noted that none of them are flawless or universally reliable.
Platforms that don’t take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s could face fines up to A$50 million (£25 million).
Meta’s head of safety, Antigone Davis, said the company is removing as many under-age accounts as possible by the deadline, but enforcement will be a “continuous, multi-layered process.”
Meta Pushes for a Different Law
Meta says it would prefer legislation that lets under-16s join social media with parental permission, rather than a complete ban.
The company warned that teenagers often find ways around restrictions:
“Teens are resourceful and may try to bypass age-assurance measures to access restricted services,” it told Australian media.
Still, Meta says it will meet all compliance requirements.
Why Australia Is Enforcing the Ban
Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says the ban is designed to protect children from:
- online bullying
- predatory behavior
- mental health pressures
- addictive scrolling and exposure to harmful content
She says that kids need stronger safeguards in today’s digital world.
Other Platforms Take Action Too
In a move widely interpreted as an attempt to avoid being banned, Roblox announced major new restrictions:
- Players under 16 will be blocked from chatting with unknown adults
- Mandatory age verification will roll out first in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands in December, then globally from January
Which Platforms Are Affected by the Ban?
Platforms included in Australia’s Under-16 ban:
- Threads
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (Twitter)
- Kick
Platforms not included:
- Roblox
- Discord
- Messenger
- YouTube Kids
- Google Classroom
- Steam / Steam Chat
- LEGO Play
- GitHub
