Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: Mixed Reactions Revealed in Survey

LoopMe has conducted a comprehensive survey involving 73,841 consumers across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The survey, carried out in December 2025, examined awareness, attitudes, and perceptions concerning Australia’s recent under-16 social media ban and the potential for similar measures in other countries.

Australia implemented the nationwide under-16 social media ban in November 2025. According to the survey, only 6% of Australian consumers believe that online spaces have become safer and more age-appropriate due to the ban. A quarter of Australians think the ban has been effective at reducing online harm, while 37% consider it ineffective, and another 37% remain uncertain.

The survey also revealed that 31% of Australians suspect that young people are finding ways to bypass the ban. In the UK and US, approximately half of the respondents believe a similar ban would be effective, but 35% of Americans and 29% of Britons disagree. Furthermore, 42% of Americans and 40% of Britons expect that young people would circumvent such bans.

In terms of perceived safety, only 14% of Americans and 17% of Britons think a ban would make online spaces feel safer and more age-appropriate. Awareness of the ban is highest in Australia, with 74% of respondents aware of the measure, compared to 51% in the UK and 36% in the US.

Support for introducing similar bans is highest in the UK, with 54% in favour, followed by 40% in the US and 43% in Australia. Opposition to the bans varies, ranging from 28% in the UK to 37% in the US. In Australia, 45% of respondents are unsure about the ban’s impact on exposure to harmful content and misinformation, while 27% feel it has made little difference.

James Parker, Head of APAC at LoopMe, commented on the findings: “Consumers clearly support levels of protection for young people online, but our research shows real skepticism about whether blanket bans work.” Parker further stated, “Many are unsure the policy is making a meaningful difference, and there’s widespread expectation that young users will simply find workarounds. This points to a growing appetite for solutions focused on education, digital resilience, and smarter safeguards, not just prohibition.”