🇦🇺Australia is taking a bold step to protect children online — and YouTube is next on the list.

Starting December 2025, young people under 16 years old will be banned from creating accounts on major social media platforms, including YouTube, under a new child safety law. Other platforms affected include Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

Tech companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to $32 million USD.

The move follows a national survey revealing that 37% of children had been exposed to harmful content on YouTube — including misogyny, dangerous challenges, and unhealthy lifestyle messages.

While YouTube Kids remains exempt, Google (YouTube’s parent company) has criticised the government's decision as a reversal of earlier commitments.

But Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, stands firm, saying unrestricted online access is like "letting kids swim in shark-infested waters."

As digital safety conversations grow louder worldwide, Australia’s tough stance could set a new global precedent.

Sources - Pubity on Instagram