Key Points:
- Meta closing teen accounts early (ages 13–15 from Dec 4) ahead of the teen social media ban.
- Australia bans under‑16s on major platforms from Dec 10.
- Heavy fines up to AUD 49.5M for non‑compliance.
Instagram, Facebook, and Threads have started notifying Australian users aged 13 to 15 that their accounts will begin closing ahead of the upcoming nationwide teen social media ban restricting access for people under 16. Meta said messages are being sent through text, email, and in-app alerts. Accounts will start being deactivated from 4 December.
The rule applies to several major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit. Australia’s internet regulator has estimated that around 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users fall within the affected age range.
Account Removal and Data Access
Children under 16 will not be able to create new accounts on Meta‑owned platforms once the teen social media ban process begins. Existing users will receive reminders to update their contact details so they can be notified when they become eligible to open accounts again. Meta said teens can download and save posts, videos, and messages before removal.
Users who believe they are old enough to stay on the platform can challenge the restriction through Meta’s verification tools. These include uploading a video selfie for facial age scanning or submitting a government-issued ID. These measures were tested earlier this year by the Age Check Certification Scheme, which reviewed multiple verification methods.
Compliance Plans Across Platforms
Meta said it expects ongoing work to ensure the removal of underage accounts continues after December. The firm noted that young users may try to bypass age checks but said it remains committed to meeting the requirements of the teen social media ban. The rule applies to platforms that appear on the regulator’s official list, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, X, YouTube, Threads, and Kick.
Platforms not included in the rule include Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.
Shifts in Platform Safety Features
Some companies are adjusting their systems ahead of the rollout. Roblox announced new restrictions that block children under 16 from chatting with adult strangers. The company will introduce mandatory age checks for accounts using chat features, starting in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands before expanding globally in January.
Meta and other firms are preparing measures to ensure their platforms meet the requirements once the teen social media ban takes effect. Notifications to users will continue as account removals progress through December.
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