Australia has launched a major social experiment with a new law banning social media accounts for those under 16. As it takes effect, the teenagers it targets are deeply skeptical. For them, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are woven into the fabric of daily life and communication.
Profiled teens from Melbourne illustrate this entrenched relationship. One recently spent 34 hours in a week on Instagram; another communicates almost exclusively via Snapchat. While experiences vary, they agree the law will hardly change their behavior. As digital natives, many already use VPNs or falsified ages to bypass existing restrictions.
The government aims to shield children from online risks and support parents, acknowledging it won’t be a simple fix. The responsibility falls on companies to enforce the ban, not on families. Ultimately, with social media so deeply embedded in teen social lives, officials concede that stopping its use is an immense challenge.
