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Facebook X LinkedIn Bluesky Copy to Clipboard [https://www.themanda] Copy Communications / Tech / AI Government & Democracy One week left to wean Australian kids off social media platforms Platforms have days left to get ready for the under 16 ban, with Canberra set to test how well age checks hold up. Melissa Coade Melissa Coade Dec 4, 2025 3 min read Icon Share Comment 0 [Anika-Wells] Minister for Communications Anika Wells. (AAP Image/ Mick Tsikas) Anika Wells is heralding a new era for Australia's Generation Alpha, when a federal ban on social media accounts for under-16s comes into force. Social media companies have one week to take "reasonable steps" to prevent an estimated 86% of Australian users aged 8 to 15 from accessing their platforms. This means that by December 10, 2025, platforms in breach may face fines of up to $49.5 million. In a speech on Wednesday, the communications minister said Australia's internationally-leading policy to empower parents and protect teens and young children was a path toward a better future. Keep reading for free. Create an account to unlock more stories or subscribe to get unlimited access to all articles, analysis, exclusive interviews, and event invites made for the public sector. Keep Reading Create a free account Unlock this article with extended access. Register End of Year Sale $11$4/week Save over 60% on your first six months of unlimited access. Billed at $16/month for the first 6 months, then $44/month thereafter. Cancel anytime. Subscribe About the author Melissa Coade Melissa Coade News editor Melissa Coade is The Mandarin's news editor based in Canberra's parliamentary press gallery. She has had various government, communications and legal roles, and has written for the Law Society of NSW journal (LSJ) and Lawyers Weekly. Similar topics Anika Wells anti-bullying rapid review children's rights Communications democracy digital duty of care Government internet julie inman grant National Press Club Office of the e-Safety Commissioner Online Safety Act parents regulation Social media Social Media Minimum Age obligation SSMA obligation tech giants under-16 social media ban Comments Comment 0 Hide Recommended for you Social media giants issued Australian guidance for under-16 ban Social media giants issued Australian guidance for under-16 ban Melissa Coade Sep 17, 2025 Social media regulations not a ban, says eSafety commissioner Social media regulations not a ban, says eSafety commissioner Dan Holmes Jun 25, 2025 1 New mobile coverage laws look to the stars New mobile coverage laws look to the stars Julian Bajkowski Sep 18, 2025 Jobs View All Chief Medical Officer Australian Federal Police Australia Full time - Ongoing Executive Director EPA Services Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Perth, Western Australia, Australia Full time - Fixed Term Deputy Director-General, Policy and Cabinet ACT Government Australia Full time - Fixed Term Group Head (SES Band 1) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Full time - Ongoing Associate Director - Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Australian Government Australia Full time - Fixed Term SES Temporary Employment Register Director of Public Prosecutions Australia Full time - Fixed Term Events View All February Wed 18 Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit 2026 Discover how powerhouses Kamala Harris, The Hon. 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