Australia PM tells teens to ‘read a book and stop scrolling’ as social media ban comes into effect
Prime minister Anthony Albanese urged Australia’s teenagers on Tuesday to view the upcoming social media restriction as a safeguard rather than a punishment.
From midnight on 9 December, major platforms such as Facebook and TikTok will be compelled to block access for Australia-based users under the age of 16, facing hefty penalties if they fall short.
Mr Albanese spent the final hours before the implementation appealing to the hundreds of thousands of adolescents who will be affected, stressing that the measures were designed with their wellbeing at the centre.
The new rule requires ten of the world’s largest platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Reddit, to block Australia-based users below the age threshold or face fines of up to A$49.5m (£24.6m).
The measure marks the first attempt by any country to impose a legally mandated minimum age on social media participation at scale.
Mr Albanese told young people that the law was being introduced to protect them from the pressures of online life, while also urging them to make the most of Australia’s long summer break instead of scrolling on their phone.
In a video message released hours before the deadline, Mr Albanese said: “From December 10 if you’re under 16 you’re no longer allowed to have a social media account.
“You’ll know better than anyone what it’s like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that. That’s why we’ve taken this step to support you.”
The government’s immediate focus is on the transition period as hundreds of thousands of teenagers find their accounts disabled or unable to log in.
Many adolescents have expressed concern the ban will sever connections with friends, particularly those who rely on group chats and message boards as daily points of contact.
Acknowledging those worries, Mr Albanese encouraged teenagers to reach out to family members, trusted adults, or national youth mental-health services such as Headspace and Kids Helpline if they felt unsettled by the change.
Alongside the restrictions, the prime minister urged children to divert their attention towards activities long associated with Australia’s summer holidays – outdoor sport, time with friends and family, and hobbies often sidelined by heavy online use.
“Above all, make the most of the school holidays coming up rather than spending it scrolling on your phone,” he said.
“Start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there on your shelf for some time. And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family. Face to face.”
