Australia’s teenagers will soon be free from “endless” scrolling on the internet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday (08/12/2025), on the eve of the ban on minors on social media coming into force.
From midnight, platforms such as Facebook and TikTok will have to remove their Australian users under the age of 16 under the threat of heavy fines.
Australia is the first country in the world to introduce such a restriction.
Albanese made a final attempt to convince hundreds of thousands of Australian teenagers that the controversial law would benefit them.
“From December 10, people under the age of 16 will no longer be able to have a social media account,” the Prime Minister said in a video message.
“You will know better than anyone what it’s like to grow with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that comes with it,” he said.
“That’s why we took this action to support them.”
Many young Australians fear the restrictions will deprive them of the connections they need.
“It’s time for teenagers to get away from their phones”
But Albanese said it’s time for teenagers to stay away from their phones as summer vacation approaches.
“Make the most of the upcoming school holidays instead of spending them scrolling on your phones,” he said.
“Take up a new sport, learn a new instrument or read that book that’s been on your shelf for a while,” Albanese told the youth. “And most importantly, spend quality time with your friends and family, face to face.”
Social media companies face fines of 49.5 million Australian dollars (US$32 million) if they do not take “appropriate steps” to comply with the law.
jc (afp, The Sydney Morning Herald)
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