Social media use on the rise among Australian under-16s after ban: Data

Australian under-16s are increasing their use of social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok despite a world-leading ban, data provided by a parental control software company showed Wednesday. Social media use on the rise among Australian under-16s after ban: Data. August 26, 2026 Social media use on the rise among Australian under-16s after ban: Data edited by Andrew Zinin Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies.

Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked reputable news agency proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Australia implemented world-first legislation banning children from social media in December, with the UK, France and others following suit. Australia enacted legislation barring children from social media platforms in December, with the UK, France and others following suit. Young people's use of social media fell across the board when the legal restrictions were first implemented, data from parental control app Qustodio showed.

But since then, their social media activity has climbed—even approaching pre-ban levels for some apps. The use of TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat among 10- to 12-year-olds and 13- to 15-year-olds was on the rise, data from parental control app Qustodio showed. In the case of video-sharing site TikTok, 25.9% of 13- to 15-year-olds are still using the app—just over a percentage point lower than before the ban came into force.