Australia’s Social Media Ban for Teens Faces Compliance Issues
In December 2025, Australia made headlines by becoming the first country to ban people under 16 from using major social media platforms. The goal was to protect children from possible negative effects on their mental and social well-being. However, early reports suggest that this initiative is not achieving the desired results.
According to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, nearly 75% of teenagers aged 14 and 15 are ignoring the ban. Many young people feel that since their peers are also flouting the rules, there’s no incentive for them to follow them. Those who do comply often feel socially isolated, while others face no real consequences for continuing to use social media.
Cass Sunstein, a professor and one of the researchers behind the paper, discussed why the ban might not be as effective as officials expected and offered suggestions for improvement.
Lack of Incentives for Compliance
Sunstein noted that the absence of clear rewards or penalties makes it easy for teens to dismiss the ban. Without a strong reason to comply, it simply becomes background noise for them. Additionally, a significant factor is the fear of being left out—since most of their friends are still active on social media, they feel pressured to join in.
Surprising Levels of Non-Compliance
The researchers were surprised by the high level of non-compliance just months after the ban’s implementation. While some expected resistance, the sheer number of teens ignoring the law was notable. The influence of social norms appears to outweigh the legal rules.
Many teens cite the fear of missing out (FOMO) as a primary reason for staying on social media, emphasizing that this social dynamic needs more attention in research.
Tipping Points and Solutions
For the ban to be effective, Sunstein suggests a significant shift in how many teens adhere to it. Generally, if about 75% of teens stayed off social media, it could change the perception of what’s normal. Past examples, like reduced smoking rates in the U.S., demonstrate how collective behavior can shift when certain percentages of the population conform to new norms.
He advocates for an educational campaign that promotes the idea of limiting social media use. This campaign could help instill a sense of community in not using social media.
Changing Social Perceptions
One startling finding is how teens perceive those who comply with the ban. They often view these peers as “uncool,” which discourages many from following the rules. To combat this, Sunstein proposes various solutions, including public education campaigns highlighting the benefits of less screen time.
Another suggestion is to create incentives for staying off social media, such as offering concert tickets or discounts for teens. Additionally, instead of a complete ban, some teens have expressed a preference for time limits on their social media usage.
A Practical Approach to the Issue
Sunstein and his colleagues believe that, while challenging, the problem is not insurmountable. Australia can adopt several strategies to encourage less social media use among teens. For instance, they could engage young influencers to share their positive experiences about being off social media or promote parental involvement in keeping kids offline.
By making these changes and learning from the current findings, Australia—or any country facing similar challenges—can take significant steps toward reducing social media use among young people.
