YouTube to be banned for under 16s in Australia
The social media ban for under-16s will come into effect later this year. Here’s why YouTube has joined the ranks.
The Australian government has added another social media platform to its ban for children under the age of 16.
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Last week, the country’s Labour Government said that YouTube will face the same rules as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X (former Twitter). It is important to note that YouTube Kids is not included in this ban, as users cannot comment or upload videos.
The legislation is set to come into effect in December this year.
The legislation has bestowed the responsibility of enforcing these laws on the various social media platforms. Should children under 16 be found to have accounts on these sites, these companies can face fines of almost AU$50 million (approximately R582 338 000).
According to CNN, a YouTube spokesperson noted that they will continue to engage with the Australian government.
The Australian government revealed that its decision to add YouTube to the ban came about following a survey. The survey, conducted by the eSafety Commission (an independent online regulator), found that 37% of the children who were surveyed had reportedly seen harmful content on YouTube.
Roughly 3,500 Austrlian kids between the ages of 10 and 17 participated in the “Keeping Kids Safe” survey. The survey ran between December 2024 and February 2025. Harmful content was reportedly seen by three out of four children.
Harmful content is defined as misogynistic, hateful ideas, fight videos, dangerous online challenges, sexism and content that promotes unhealthy eating and exercise habits.
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