The Australian Government has taken world-leading action to reduce online harms experienced by young Australians by introducing a minimum age of 16 to access social media. The Online Safety Act 2021 (the Act) was amended in November 2024 to introduce a social media minimum age framework. This fact sheet sets out the background, legal framework...

A study conducted to better understand teenagers’ use of social media, the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots based on an online survey of 1,458 United States of America teenagers from September to October 2025. The report presents online platform use, platform use by demographic groups, use of AI chatbots and internet use.

Prior to the implementation of Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age Act 2024, this report documents young people’s views. Social media is described as integral to their wellbeing, education and relationships, despite recognised risks. Respondents express doubts about the under‑16 restriction, cite inadequate consultation and identify limited assistance for the transition beyond December 10, 2025.

The report presents research undertaken in the lead-up to the implementation of the Australian Government’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. The paper centres the voices of multicultural and newly arrived young people to examine how the proposed under-16 social media restriction intersects with settlement, belonging, education, wellbeing and access to information.

A report from an inquiry into the implementation of regulations aimed at protecting children and young people online, with particular reference to the Internet Search Engine Services Online Safety Code and the under 16 social media ban. It provides four recommendations, including a delay on the implementation.