Australia’s first-ever social media ban for children under 16 has come into effect, affecting millions of young users nationwide. The ban targets platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit.
In the hours before the ban went live at midnight on Tuesday, teenagers and young adults posted farewell messages on their favourite platforms. Many shared goodbye videos, edited memes, and heartfelt notes to their followers. Melbourne creator Josh Partington, 29, posted, “I’ll miss you guys,” addressing his 75,000 TikTok followers.
The Australian government has ordered 10 major platforms to block about one million underage accounts or face substantial fines. TikTok alone has already deactivated 200,000 accounts, with hundreds of thousands more expected to be restricted in the coming days. Authorities say the measure is aimed at protecting children’s mental health and online safety.
Reactions from teenagers ranged from sadness and disbelief to humour. Some users urged followers to move to alternative platforms like Yope, Lemon8, and Coverstar, which are not yet covered by the social media ban. Reddit users also posted goodbye messages to communities such as r/teenagers, highlighting the emotional impact of losing their digital social circles.
Not all teenagers opposed the move. Some agreed that the social media ban could reduce screen time and encourage healthier habits. A TikTok user commented, “All we do is sit behind a screen for hours. This is probably for the best.”
However, many young Australians expressed frustration at the government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who lost thousands of followers on social media since the ban took effect. Posts reflected disappointment over losing years of curated content, playlists, and online friends.
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The historic social media ban marks a significant shift in how Australia regulates digital access for minors. While some welcome the safety measures, many teenagers are mourning the sudden loss of platforms that shaped their social lives and creativity.
