Australia’s social media ban for minors: Has this worked elsewhere?

Multiple countries have tried but failed to effectively curb social media access. Will Australia’s attempt be different?

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last week that his government plans to ban minors from social media use and will conduct an age verification trial in the upcoming months as a first step.

“We know social media is causing social harm, and it is taking kids away from real friends and real experiences,” Albanese said.

Since October 2023, Australia already has a ban in place on the use of smartphones in public schools. Under this new proposed ban, social media would be off limits on all devices – and beyond the walls of just schools – for children.

So why is Australia introducing this ban, have other countries tried something similar – and has it worked for them?