Business Daily The cost of Australia’s social media ban
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Dec 9, 2025 
In this discussion, Katie Watson, BBC Australia's correspondent, breaks down the ground-breaking social media ban for under-16s, emphasizing its mental health rationale and legal implications. Young entrepreneur Lucas Lane shares how the ban threatens niche businesses like his nail varnish company for boys, while also highlighting the importance of social media for community building. The conversation also touches on teenage reactions, potential court challenges, and comparisons to similar international measures, painting a vivid picture of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Nationwide Under‑16 Social Media Law
- Australia has introduced a law banning under-16s from accessing major social platforms to protect youth mental health.
- The government argues platforms failed to self-regulate and legislation is needed to support parents.
Regulatory Burden Falls On Platforms
- The law forces named platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent under‑16 accounts and fines non‑compliance up to A$50m.
- Enforcement targets companies, not family or friend circumvention, leaving practical gaps for teenagers to bypass.
Risk Of Migration To Other Platforms
- Critics warn the ban could be a game of whack‑a‑mole as users migrate to other platforms or less regulated spaces.
- The law excludes gaming and may push young people toward less protected alternatives.