Published by the QUT Digital Media Research Centre
Young Australians’ perspectives on the social media minimum age legislation
A report on young Australians’ views on the social media delay
This report captures a moment in time, just before legislation preventing under-16s from holding accounts on social media platforms is implemented by the Australian Government via the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, more commonly known as the ‘social media ban’.
The research was undertaken as a response to the lack of young people’s voices in the national conversation about their social media use.
The research shows that for young people social media is part of their everyday lives. It brings them joy, connects them with friends and helps them with schoolwork. They join communities, learn about the world and sometimes, just ‘chill out’. They are aware of the risks and challenges and they want adults collectively – the platforms, the government, educators, other social media users, and their parents and carers – to support them to have quality experiences online.
Key findings
- Young people want adults to know that their social media experiences are varied and diverse.
- Young people say they use social media purposefully for many reasons, including for learning.
- Social media is fun and supports important relationships and connections.
- Young people want social media to be improved but most don’t believe the under 16 age restriction is the answer.
- Young people say there has been a lack of conversation about the age restrictions.
- There has been little support for the transition post-December 10 2025.
- Most young people don’t believe the age restriction is enforceable.
Written by Kim Osman, Michael Dezuanni, Lynrose Jane Genon, Riley Scott, Tanya Notley, Phillipa Collin, Suzanne Srdarov, Kim Barbour, Daniel Johnson, Daniel Angus, Tama Leaver, Jessica Bowler, Ella Horton, Amanda Third
Published by the QUT Digital Media Research Centre.
Principles for a Better Children’s Internet
Young people want solutions that balance benefits and risks: Reflections from the Social Media Summit
by Karley Beckman and Tiffani Apps
