Australia launched the world’s first social media ban for under-16s.
Teens say goodbye to apps but quickly find ways around the new social media ban rules.
Teens Beat the Social Media Ban with Tricks
- The social media ban started at midnight, blocking one million Australian teens from TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
- Kids posted sad goodbyes using #seeyouwhenim16 before accounts locked.
- Many teens now bypass age checks on social media platforms.
- They draw wrinkles, mustaches, or wear heavy makeup to fool face scans.
- A 14-year-old passed Snapchat’s check as age 23 by faking his birth date.
- Teens use VPNs to hide Australian locations or borrow parents’ accounts.
- The social media ban boosts new apps like Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar.
- These hit top spots in app stores as safe picks for young users.
- Friends share new usernames to keep talking despite the social media ban.
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Legal Challenges Hit Social Media Ban Hard
- Two 15-year-olds fight the social media ban in High Court over free speech rights.
- Court hears the case in 2026, but rules stay active now.
- Groups say the social media ban hurts LGBTQ+ youth most.
- 96% of queer teens need social media for friends and support.
- Remote kids lose their key link to far-away pals.
- Neurodivergent teens miss safe online spots to connect.
- Prime Minister backs the social media ban to fight big tech control.
- Government checks effects on health and sleep by Christmas.
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