Australia’s groundbreaking nationwide social media ban for minors is widening its scope. The restriction, which prohibits users under the age of 16 from accessing major social platforms, now includes Twitch—the popular livestreaming service. This addition follows the initial list of banned platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and, most recently, Reddit.
According to the BBC, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant explained that Twitch was added because it is “a platform most commonly used for livestreaming or posting content that enables users, including Australian children, to interact with others in relation to the content posted.” The interactive nature of Twitch, she noted, aligns with the concerns driving the ban. No further platforms are expected to be included before the law takes effect next month.
Pinterest will remain exempt, as its primary function is content discovery rather than real-time social interaction. Under the new legislation, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to block underage users from accessing their services. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. While some minors may attempt to bypass restrictions using VPNs, the law introduces a formidable barrier to entry for those under 16.
Australia’s move comes amid growing global scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users. Earlier this month, Denmark announced a bipartisan agreement to implement a similar ban for users under 15, though details remain limited. In the United States, states such as Texas and Florida have tried to pass comparable measures, but these efforts have either stalled in legislatures or faced legal challenges.
Even less restrictive laws—such as Utah’s requirement for parental consent before teens can create accounts—are encountering strong opposition on First Amendment grounds. The debate reflects a broader cultural shift: mounting evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to social media can negatively affect minors’ mental health and well-being, fueling calls for stricter regulation worldwide.
