Australian Teens Voice Frustration Over Social Media Ban

Wed Dec 10 2025 09:58:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A comprehensive look at the new Australian law prohibiting social media access for children under 16. Teens like Breanna Easton share how the ban impacts their social lives and sense of community.

Australia's controversial new ban on social media for under-16s takes effect, prompting a wave of mixed reactions from teens and parents. Breanna Easton, a 15-year-old from Queensland, expresses frustration over the ban's impact on her ability to connect with friends, while proponents argue it's a protective measure. The debate raises important questions about the balance between safety and social connectivity.

School is out for the year, but the summer holidays aren't exactly a break for 15-year-old Breanna Easton - that is when she's hard at work mustering cattle on the family's station.

It's the freedom, the space you have to move, Breanna says, listing all the things she loves about her life, 1,600km north-east of Brisbane in Australia's sparsely-populated outback.

With grazier parents and grandparents, the industry runs in her blood. The vast hinterland is her own backyard.

And yet, like most teenagers, she's also attached to her smartphone.

The all-terrain buggy she uses to herd cattle is fitted with an internet extender, enabling her to message friends on Snapchat while working. On days she gets a little bored, she likes to make funny TikTok videos with her siblings.

With nearly all her friends living at least 100km away, social media is a lifeline. But not anymore, now that Australia's social media ban for children has taken effect.

Taking away our socials is just taking away how we talk to each other, Breanna says. While she can still text her friends, it's not the same as a quick snap or a like on a photo that allows her to play a part in their lives even when she is far away.

The ban has been in the making for a year now. Throughout, supporters have argued it's for the wellbeing of children who they say are spending too much time online and risk being exposed to uncontrollable pressures, bullying, and predators. However, critics assert that restricting access may drive teens to unregulated areas of the internet.

We did feel very behind the other children at school because we had a somewhat sheltered life, Breanna’s mother, Megan, recalls of her childhood on a cattle station. She fears the law limits parental guidance and children's ability to learn about handling social media responsibly.

Over in Sydney, 14-year-old Jacinta Hickey shares similar sentiments. It's a bit insulting that they think we can't handle it, she emphasizes, pointing to her maturity in navigating social media.

The law, however, has raised concerns among various communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth who rely on social media for support and connection in their formative years.

For many, this sweeping ban may potentially lead to further isolation, particularly for marginalized groups who find solace and community online. The debate surrounding the ban continues, as Australia assesses the impacts of this significant regulatory change on its youth.