A recent study reveals that Australia’s new age-verification requirement for social media platforms isn't significantly curbing teen usage. Prior to the introduction of the under-16 ban, approximately 86 percent of children reported using at least one age-restricted platform. Three months after the ban’s implementation, usage remains remarkably high, with over 81 percent of teens still accessing these sites. These findings suggest the ban is proving ineffective in preventing younger users from joining platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The persistence in usage indicates that current age-verification methods are easily circumvented. Experts suggest more robust solutions are needed to protect children online, or that teens are already established on platforms and continue use. The study highlights a continuing challenge for regulators aiming to safeguard children in the digital world.

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