A poll by the Molly Rose Foundation of 1,050 Australian youths aged 12‑15 shows that 61% still maintain active accounts on platforms banned for under‑16s. The nation rolled out a world‑first social‑media restriction on December 10, forcing companies to block minors. Many families struggle to monitor usage despite the ban.

Government data released in March indicates that Snap, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are under investigation for possible non‑compliance. The eSafety agency says enforcement could involve infringement notices, court injunctions and fines up to A$49.5 million. And may face legal challenges if non‑compliance persists. Meanwhile, 70 percent of surveyed teens reported it was easy to circumvent the age filter, suggesting technical loopholes remain.

The findings cast doubt on the practicality of age‑based bans, a model Britain is currently weighing. If platforms can sidestep Australian rules, regulators may struggle to enforce similar legislation elsewhere. With enforcement decisions slated for mid‑2026, policymakers face a choice: tighten technical safeguards or abandon the ban as an ineffective protective measure for Australian youths.