Social media use on the rise among Australian under-16s after ban: Data

Recent data reveals that social media use among Australian children under 16 is on the rise, despite the implementation of a world-leading legislative ban in December. According to figures from the parental control app Qustodio, engagement with platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat has increased among both 10-to-12-year-olds and 13-to-15-year-olds.

The rise in usage occurs even though Australia barred children from social media platforms through new laws enacted late last year. The regulatory move by Canberra has drawn international attention, with the United Kingdom, France, and other nations subsequently following suit to implement similar restrictions.