Australia’s attempt to ban social media for children under 16 has reportedly been unsuccessful. The legislation, intended as a global first, aimed to restrict access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. While initial traffic decreased after the law took effect on December 10, 2025, teenagers quickly circumvented the rules. New data indicates adolescents are creating accounts despite the restrictions, highlighting the practical challenges of enforcing the ban. The failure raises questions about the effectiveness of similar legislative approaches to protect young people online. The measure’s limitations showcase the difficulty of preventing minors from accessing online platforms with readily available workarounds.