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Australia expands child social media ban to Reddit, Kick ahead of December rollout
Australia will extend its pioneering ban on social media for children under 16 to include Reddit and live-streaming platform Kick, bringing the total number of restricted sites to nine when the law takes effect on 10 December.
The expanded list now includes Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, Reddit, and Kick. Companies failing to deactivate existing underage accounts or prevent new ones face fines up to A$50 million (US$32.5 million; £25.7 million).
Government justifies crackdown on 'harmful design'
Officials selected platforms where "sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction," according to a government statement. The list may grow further due to the "fast-changing" tech landscape.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant argued the delay in access protects children from "powerful, unseen forces" like opaque algorithms and endless scrolling. "This gives them valuable time to learn and grow," she said.
"We aren't chasing perfection, we are chasing a meaningful difference,"
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells
Wells described how platforms exert "chilling control" over children, framing the ban as a protective measure rather than an outright prohibition.
Exemptions and enforcement challenges
Messaging apps (Discord, WhatsApp), gaming platforms (Lego Play, Roblox), and educational tools (Google Classroom, YouTube Kids) remain exempt. YouTube, initially spared, was added in July after reports showed it was the top platform where children aged 10-15 encountered harmful content.
Teens under 16 can still view YouTube videos but cannot create accounts-blocking uploads or interactions. The government has not detailed enforcement methods, though options like ID verification, parental approval, or facial recognition have been floated. Critics warn these systems risk privacy breaches and inaccuracies, citing a recent report on their limitations.
Mixed reactions and unintended consequences
Public polls show broad adult support, but mental health advocates caution the ban could isolate children from peer connections or drive them to less-regulated online spaces. Some argue resources would be better spent policing harmful content and preparing kids for digital realities.
A high-profile Australian influencer family with millions of YouTube followers announced plans to relocate to the UK to circumvent the ban, specifically to allow their 14-year-old daughter to continue creating content.
Global scrutiny as December deadline nears
The law, a world first, is being closely watched by international policymakers. Its success-or struggles-could influence similar efforts abroad. With fines looming, platforms now face pressure to implement age-gating systems before the 10 December deadline.
