WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Australia Bans Social Media for Kids Under 16. Is the U.S. Next?
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Dec 12, 2025 Australia's new law mandates social media platforms to verify users are over 16, leading to significant deactivations. Parents and educators support such restrictions, citing concerns over kids' mental health. The discussion highlights the challenges of age verification and the potential for U.S. legislation mirroring Australia's. Political figures see bipartisan appeal for these measures, viewing them as necessary to regulate the tech landscape. The conversation also touches on school policies and the complexities of enforcing such laws in the U.S.
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Australia's New Age-Restriction Signal
- Australia now requires big platforms to take "reasonable steps" to block users under 16 from accounts. This is being framed as a global signal that the tech free-for-all may be ending.
Treat Social Media As Age-Restricted
- Consider treating social media access like other age-restricted goods to help parents and educators. Regulating access creates a social norm that makes nonuse acceptable for kids.
Verification Without IDs Creates Tradeoffs
- Australia's law bans ID requirements but forces platforms to try other age-verification methods like AI or behavior signals. Enforcement will be messy and tech-savvy teens may attempt circumvention.