https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwy54q80gy9t BBC Homepage * Skip to content * Accessibility Help * Your account * Home * News * Sport * Business * Innovation * Culture * Travel * Earth * Audio * Video * Live * More menu More menu Search BBC * Home * News * Sport * Business * Innovation * Culture * Travel * Earth * Audio * Video * Live Close menu BBC News Menu * Home * Israel-Gaza war * War in Ukraine * Climate * Video * World * US & Canada * UK * Business * Tech More * Science * Entertainment & Arts * Health * In Pictures * BBC Verify * World News TV * Newsbeat * World * Africa * Asia * Australia * Europe * Latin America * Middle East Live. 2,856 viewing2856 viewing Live pageUpdated 15 minutes ago Some Australian teens 'insulted' by social media ban, as others praise a 'good thing' Your Voice: Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media BBC News Close To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played A teenage boy and two teenage girls sit together, looking at their phones. * Live Reporting (active) * Watch & listen Summary * "It's a proud day to be Australian prime minister," Anthony Albanese says as a world-first ban on social media accounts for under-16s comes into effect in his country * Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube are among the platforms required to enforce the new legislation * Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban - but companies face fines of up to A$49.5m (US$32m, PS25m) for breaches * The government says the ban is aimed at protecting young people from harmful content, but critics suggest it could isolate vulnerable teenagers and push children into unregulated corners of the internet * This is a bold move that many other countries are watching carefully - but how the government will judge success is unclear, writes our Australia correspondent * Australian teens have mixed views, with some "insulted" and others saying they'll "quickly get over it" - get in touch to let us know your thoughts Scroll to previous itemScroll to next item * 1:36Australian teens on the social media ban. 00:01:36, play videoAustralian teens on the social media banTeenage girl sitting and looking at the camera, wearing a white shirt and blue tie * 1:15They grew up with social media - what do young people think of the ban? 00:01:15, play videoThey grew up with social media - what do young people think of the ban?Young women with dark long curly hair wearing a black singlet. * 1:00The social media ban explained... in 60 seconds. 00:01:00, play videoThe social media ban explained... in 60 secondsKaty Watson * 0:59Read that book: Australian PM's message to young people. 00:00:59, play videoRead that book: Australian PM's message to young peoplePrime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese * 1:29'Taking away my purpose' - Teen influencers on the ban. 00:01:29, play video'Taking away my purpose' - Teen influencers on the banElla Lucia * 0:59'I have created another TikTok account' - Lulu, 15. 00:00:59, play video'I have created another TikTok account' - Lulu, 15 Teenage girl sitting at dinning room table while looking at phone and smiling * 1:02Anika Wells says she's not intimidated by social media giants. 00:01:02, play videoAnika Wells says she's not intimidated by social media giantsClose-up shot of Anika Wells wearing a plaid jacket * 0:38Is this youth psychologist for or against the ban? 00:00:38, play videoIs this youth psychologist for or against the ban?Woman wearing a striped shirt sitting in front of bookshelves * 0:32'When our Snapchat is taken away, so is our communication' says outback teen. 00:00:32, play video'When our Snapchat is taken away, so is our communication' says outback teenA young girl sits on a farm vehicle wearing a chequered shirt and a baseball hat. * 0:47Lola, 12, on why she doesn't use social media. 00:00:47, play videoLola, 12, on why she doesn't use social mediaGirl sitting in her school uniform in a classroom * 0:49'Their opportunity's gone', says dad of teen influencer. 00:00:49, play video'Their opportunity's gone', says dad of teen influencerMan seated looking into the camera wearing a green plaid button up shirt. Live Reporting Edited by Helen Livingstone in Sydney and Caitlin Wilson in Washington DC 1. 'Being locked out of Snapchat hit harder than I expected,' says Sydney teenpublished at 22:38 GMT 22:38 GMT [f3964512]Amy, Year 8 student Reporting from Sydney It was 20:50 on Tuesday night (09:50 GMT) when I took a break from studying and tried to check Snapchat. I knew the ban was coming, but actually being locked out of my account hit harder than I expected. When the app asked me to verify my age, I had to choose between bypassing it or staying honest, and, desperate to retrieve years of photo "memories", I asked my 17-year-old sister to do the face verification. I didn't fully realise what the ban would mean until it actually happened. When it did, I was overwhelmed with panic knowing I'd lose access to Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, basically all of my most-used apps. No more funny snaps with friends. No more Instagram reels from my mum. No more baking ideas, workout routines, or study motivation. But then it hit me, probably the hardest, that YouTube and TikTok - both pillars in my life that I have grown up with, the place I go to for everything from maths explanations to grwm [get ready with me] vlogs - were also going to disappear. I understand why the ban exists - social media can negatively affect mental health, and for some people, the algorithms take over their lives. The ban means young people will be pushed to interact with each other in deeper, more meaningful ways. It may lead to awkward moments, but it will also force us to develop real social skills and form relationships based on more than 30-second videos. Although I agree with this, at this moment, it feels like I'm losing more than I'm gaining. Even if I could bypass the Snapchat ban with my sister's face, there's no point if my friends can't. We're losing a major way of communicating, as well as online communities that are helpful in growing hobbies or confidence. For now, I guess the ban will force me to stop procrastinating my studies and to resort to cookbooks if I want to bake something. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 2. 'A proud day to be Australia's prime minister,' Australian PM sayspublished at 22:22 GMT 22:22 GMT A man with grey hair and glasses gestures with his right hand in the Australian parliament.Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the social media ban represents 'families taking back control'. "It's a proud day to be Australian prime minister," Anthony Albanese tells Channel Seven's Sunrise programme this morning. "This is families taking back control, parents getting more peace of mind," he says of the social media ban. "But young people as well being able to enjoy their childhood." "Generations have survived without being on social media before," he says, adding that social media has seen a rise in mental health issues. Asked what success looks like, he says "having this discussion" and goes on to say "technology has done wonderful things but we need to keep in control of it". "This is world-leading, there will be bumps in the road," Albanes adds, noting that countries around the world are looking at the ban. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 3. What will happen to teens' accounts once they're kicked off the apps?published at 22:10 GMT 22:10 GMT [a4796371]Sakshi Venkatraman BBC News Teenagers pose for a photo while holding smartphones in front of a TikTok logo in this illustration taken September 11, 2025.Image source, Reuters Australia's teens are off the apps today, but what happens to their accounts without them? Well, it varies slightly by platform - but here's what Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok have to say: Across the board, accounts deactivated today will be removed from public view, spokespeople for the social media giants tell me. Eventually, they will become accessible again once users turn 16, but this is pending time and age verification. TikTok: Accounts made by a child under 16 will be deactivated and the content will no longer be publicly available for others to view. As long as they don't delete the account, it will be accessible again once they are confirmed to be 16 with a government ID or by video facial recognition. Facebook and Instagram: Meta also tells me deactivated teen accounts will be removed from public view until the users turn 16. Once they regain access, "the account will be just as they left it", the spokesperson said. Snapchat: A deactivated account's data is kept for three years or until the account is reactivated, whichever comes first. All platforms encourage users to download and save their data, including any photos and videos that are precious to them. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 4. Ban won't work, says former European TikTok general manager published at 21:55 GMT 21:55 GMT Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Reddit applications are displayed on a mobile phone ahead of new law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia, in this picture illustration taken on December 9, 2025.Image source, Reuters Richard Waterworth, former general manager for TikTok in the UK & Europe, has told the BBC that he is sceptical of Australia's new social media rules. "It is not going to work as intended," he says, warning of potential loopholes. "A lot of kids are going to lie about their age," he says, and then they won't have access to safety tools. Age verification "comes with its own unintended consequences," he says. "They have to collect biometric data in order to do that." Waterworth adds that not a lot of people would want companies holding their biometric data. The ban is a "magical thinking solution", he says, before adding "I don't think that's a win for safety". Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 5. Meta says compliance with the ban will be a 'multi-layered process'published at 21:33 GMT 21:33 GMT Meta started removing 13 to 15 year-olds from Instagram, Threads and Facebook on 4 December - one week ahead of the official ban. The social media giant commented last week that compliance with the law would be an "ongoing and multi-layered process". "While Meta is committed to complying with the law, we believe a more effective standardised and privacy-preserving approach is needed," the company has said. Speaking to our TV colleagues earlier, BBC Social News presenter Jonelle Awomoyi said "it seems like the biggest social media organisation is trying to work with the Australian government on this, and is trying to prevent these accounts being made and shutting them down, so that's a big move." "It seems they're trying to avoid the fines," she said. Jonelle Awomoyi speaking on a TV set against a red background Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 6. Teens posted goodbye messages to TikTok before ban took effect published at 21:04 GMT 21:04 GMT [a4796371]Sakshi Venkatraman BBC News A girl poses holding her phone after an interview discussing Australia's social media ban for users under 16, which is scheduled to take effect on December 10, in Sydney, Australia, November 22, 2025.Image source, Reuters Some Australian teens on TikTok shared goodbye messages with their followers in the hours before the ban went into effect. "I'm gonna miss you all," one teen posted just an hour ahead of the ban. "I'll see you in three years." "I just wanna say that I love you guys all so much," wrote a teen influencer with 58,000 followers. "GUYS I JUST GOT LOGGED OUT OF MY MAIN," another creator frantically wrote in the comments of her alternate account, which has since also appeared to have gone silent. Another Australian TikTok user, who is not under 16, shared a video bidding farewell to all her followers who do fall within the ban's demographic. "There are so many of you who constantly support my videos, comment, and interact, and you will be dearly missed," she wrote. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 7. Exactly how does age verification work? And can children get around it?published at 20:29 GMT 20:29 GMT A person holds an orange iPhoneImage source, Getty Images How will social media platforms ensure that Australian users under the age of 16 aren't creating accounts on their sites? There are three main types of age assurance possible on the internet: + Verification using IDs + Age inference, which draws conclusions based on users' online activity + Age estimation, based on analysis of a user's face, voice or similar Verification using IDs is the most accurate, but that requires users to hand over sensitive personal documents when polling shows most Australians don't trust social media firms. And the other two both lack the precision to be reliably applied to teenagers. Still, a government-funded, industry-run trial earlier this year found age assurance technologies can be "private, robust and effective", especially when layered. "When you go to a bottle shop (off-licence or liquor store) and they look you up and down and go, 'Mmm not really sure', they ask you for some ID... It's the same principle," says Tony Allen, who heads the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme and ran the trial. But the trial was not tasked with testing ways teenagers might bypass such barriers - and tips for doing just that have flooded social media in recent weeks as the ban approached. The key question is not whether children get around the new rule, Allen says - the answer to that is yes. But will enough of them be bothered to?, he wonders. + Read more about the hurdles with the ban's rollout Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 8. Tech companies push back, but former Facebook exec hails 'seat belt moment' for social mediapublished at 20:11 GMT 20:11 GMT Former Facebook Australia chief Stephen Scheeler wearing a blue shirt and smiling at the camera in front of a colourful, patterned wall.Image source, Supplied Image caption, Former Facebook Australia chief Stephen Scheeler says "imperfect regulation is better than nothing" Many social media firms affected by Australia's new rules have spent a year loudly protesting, saying the ban could actually make children less safe online, impinge on their rights and would be difficult to enforce. "Australia is engaged in blanket censorship that will make its youth less informed, less connected, and less equipped to navigate the spaces they will be expected to understand as adults," says Paul Taske from NetChoice, a trade group representing several big tech companies. Meta, which began removing Australian children from its Instagram, Facebook and Threads platforms around a week ago, said that while the company was committed to its legal obligations, "we've consistently raised concerns about this law". "There's a better way: legislation that empowers parents to approve app downloads and verify age allows families - not the government - to decide which apps teens can access," it said in a statement. Snapchat has claimed that "disconnecting teens from their friends and family doesn't make them safer" and YouTube has said "rushed" new laws will mean parents "lose their ability to supervise their teen or tween's account". But former Facebook Australia chief Stephen Scheeler says this new era feels like a "seat belt moment" for social media - referring to car safety innovations of the 20th Century. Scheeler, who left the company in 2017, says that while there are "lots of good things about these platforms, but there's just too much bad stuff." "Some would argue that bad regulation is worse than no regulation, and sometimes that's true. But I think in this instance, even imperfect regulation is better than nothing, or better than what we had before," he says. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 9. 'I was angry, now denial and grief have set in,' 15-year-old says published at 19:41 GMT 19:41 GMT [464329f5]Simon Atkinson Reporting from Sydney A young woman smiling at the camera, with a couch and painting in the backgroung Hours before the ban came into effect, I spoke to Grace, 15, from Cairns, who had already been removed from Instagram as part of Meta's efforts to comply with the new law. She was in the car with family when she discovered she'd lost access to the site. A message on her app told her she could reapply for an account when she hit 16 next year. "I was angry for about 10 minutes, and now denial and grief have set in," she says when we speak - adding "it's fine" because her other social media apps have yet to remove her. The hockey fanatic, who represents Queensland, uses the accounts to keep up with teammates, to discuss what they'll wear to training and, of course, to record dance moves. Though she is not thrilled about the ban, she can see the upsides: "It'll be good for people to know there is life outside social media and that everything on social media isn't real." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 10. As Australians wake to new rules, the world watches onpublished at 19:23 GMT 19:23 GMT Norway is working to raise the minimum age for accessing social media platforms from the current age of 13 to 15, and Denmark is looking at similar legislation. Indonesia is considering following suit, while the UK is tossing up imposing limits on the amount of time children can spend on social media. Though the government has said - for now - there are no plans to follow in Australia's footsteps and introduce a ban. In the US, Florida had banned those under 14 from opening social media accounts. However, a federal judge has blocked this for violating free speech. Similar attempts to bar children from these platforms in Utah were overturned by the courts. Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells says leaders in other countries have been knocking on her door for advice - rattling off the European Union, Fiji, Greece and Malta as examples. Facebook and Instagram alerts are displayed on a mobile phone as Meta prepares for a new law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia, in this picture illustration taken on December 6, 2025.Image source, Reuters Image caption, In recent weeks, Facebook and Instagram alerts have appeared on phones to prepare young Australians for the new law Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 11. Australia bans under-16s from social media - let's recappublished at 19:01 GMT 19:01 GMT What's been happening + At midnight in Australia, a new law banning under-16s in Australia from using social media took effect - a world first + The social media companies affected - Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Kick, Twitch, to name a few - risk fines of up to A$49.5m (US$33m, PS25m) if they do not take "reasonable steps" to enforce the ban + In a video message, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encourages children to make the most of the upcoming summer holidays and suggests learning new skills, reading a book, and spending quality face-to-face time with friends and family The reaction + Two 15-year-olds, backed by a rights group, are making a legal challenge, arguing at Australia's highest court that the legislation robs them of their right to free communication. + Emma Mason, whose daughter Tilly died by suicide at the age of 15 after she was bullied online, is a supporter of what the government is doing. She tells the BBC that she sees the move as "protection" rather than "control" + Ezra Sholl, 15, from Melbourne, is quadriplegic and tells the BBC social media has given him access to a community of like-minded people. He says removing it "has the potential to cause harm as well" The UK and elsewhere + A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says there are "no current plans" to follow suit, adding: "It's important we protect children while letting them benefit safely from the digital world without cutting off essential services or isolating the most vulnerable" + The Australian government describes its legislation as "world-leading" - we've summarised some of the measures being taken elsewhere Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 12. What people are saying on BBC News' social media accounts published at 18:33 GMT 18:33 GMT George Hemmati Social media journalist As Australia's social media ban for under-16s comes into effect, BBC News' socials have lit up with your comments. "Honestly, it makes sense," says Jules Reagan on Instagram. "The digital world is wild right now, and protecting kids before they get pulled into it is long overdue." Meanwhile, Richard (@thevision_technician on Instagram) comments that the UK should follow suit: "Will the UK do the right thing and follow their lead, stop exposing our kids to this experiment! " Others are surprised by the selection of apps included in the ban - Freya Peacock comments to say "banning Facebook but not Discord is just crazy". Discord is currently excluded from the new legislation, along with Roblox and Steam. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 13. Last September Australia's PM announced plans for a world-first... now it's realitypublished at 18:16 GMT 18:16 GMT [5b5bf601]Angus Thompson Live reporter Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sat next to an Australian flagImage source, EPA You've joined our live coverage at the start of a new era for Australian teenagers under 16, who will wake in a few hours' time without access to their social media accounts. Last September Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to apply an age limit to social media use after South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas had raised the idea of a ban. The idea had bipartisan support, with then-opposition leader Peter Dutton airing similar plans in the months before. By late 28 November, both houses of parliament passed legislation to ban children under-16 from social media under the world's strictest laws. "We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs," Albanese told reporters at the time. A circle of young people from the shoulders down holding a smartphones in multicoloured casesImage source, Getty Images Image caption, Countries around the world are debating the best way to protect young people from online harm In the lead-up to it passing, social media companies were already railing against the ban, with Meta arguing the bill would be "ineffective" in meeting its aim of making kids safer, and X questioning the "lawfulness" of the bill. In the following months, the government faced questions over whether it could effectively keep children off the platforms, with a commissioned trial eventually finding age-checking tech could effectively enforce it. Debate also stirred over whether a ban would keep children from harm or push them into other, unregulated corners of the internet, while others argued tech firms should instead be made to remove harmful content from their platforms. While some teenagers have accepted the ban, others believe it infringes on their rights, with a High Court challenge to the world-first already afoot. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 14. Social media ban reveals 'insane' double standards, 17-year-old in Australia sayspublished at 17:56 GMT 17:56 GMT [f76ce471]Kris Bramwell BBC News Mary, a 17-year-old, living in Australia, says the under-16s social media ban reveals "insane" double standards. "Why are children allowed to see gambling ads and go to jail at 10 years old but they can't use social media at 15," she says. Mary says she believes the ban will not prevent young people from accessing social media, but instead will just see them "reach unregulated corners". Quote Message "Instead of banning social media for everyone under 16, maybe the government should just force the billionaires running the companies to regulate their companies for all ages." Mary, aged 17 She also says asking for ID to use social media would make privacy and security a "huge concern". "Overall, the ban has some good sides since there will be less exposure to misogynistic and dangerous content, but I doubt the age should be set at 16," she says. But she adds: "Our world has become interconnected through social media and for some kids, especially rural, indigenous and LGBTQIA+ kids, it is the only way to find a sense of community in a world that is consistently tearing itself and them apart." Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 15. Send us your thoughts on Australia's under-16s social media ban published at 17:45 GMT 17:45 GMT What's your perspective on Australia's social media ban for under-16s? You can let us know by getting in touch in the following ways: + Email: bbcyourvoice@bbc.co.uk, external + WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803, external + Upload your pictures and video Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy In some cases a selection of your comments and questions will be published, displaying your name and location as you provide it unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. A red banner with the words 'Your Voice' written in white with a lighter red graphic paintbrush effect behind it Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 16. The English schools where smartphones are off limitspublished at 17:21 GMT 17:21 GMT A close-up of hands holding smartphones, with one phone prominently in the centre being used. The setting appears to be a casual indoor environment, possibly a school cafeteria or common area, as there is a water bottle and blurred colourful objects in the background. While the debate over children using social media continues, some schools in England have decided to ban students from using smartphones during the school day. At Brannel School in Cornwall, each student slips their phone into a special pouch that locks until the end of the day. The phones stay with the pupils, but they are out of reach. Head teacher Tristan Muller-Forster said the system tackled what he called "mobile fatigue". At Chulmleigh College in Devon, phones can be brought in but they cannot be seen or heard. Break the rule and you risk losing your phone for weeks. Eight primary schools in Shropshire have also decided to ban smartphones from September 2026. Students at the schools, run by the Empower Multi-Academy Trust, will not be able take their devices into the building. However, they will be allowed to bring in a basic mobile phone, like a flip-phone, which will be locked away during the day. Several schools in the south of England are also now only allowing so-called brick phones to prevent children from accessing the internet, apps or cameras. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 17. Hats off to Australia for leading the way, says bereaved mum published at 16:59 GMT 16:59 GMT [5b5bf601]Angus Thompson Live reporter Ellen Roome with her son Jools Sweeney with their heads together, posing against a lush, coastal background.Image source, PA Media Image caption, Ellen Roome with her son Jools Sweeney, who died in 2022 Gloucestershire-based mother Ellen Roome will be watching how Australia's social media ban unfolds very closely over the coming days and weeks. In April 2022 she discovered her 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, unconscious in his room. She believes her son died after an online challenge went wrong and that his social media accounts could provide the answer - but she has, so far, not been allowed to access them. Now on a campaign to change the law to allow parents access to loved ones' social media accounts following their deaths, she says the UK isn't doing enough to protect children from online harm. "I think its a shame that the UK isn't doing enough to protect children more, and hats off to Australia who are basically leading the way with banning social media," she tells me. While the UK is not following in Australia's footsteps with a ban, new rules were rolled out in July threatening social media and online platforms with fines unless children were properly shielded from pornography and other harmful content. Now keenly watching Australia's example, Roome says it will be interesting to see whether the ban will keep children off social media, or whether they will find a workaround. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 18. Social media laws for children around the worldpublished at 16:16 GMT 16:16 GMT In our last post we looked at what the UK's doing to protect children online. Here's a whistle-stop tour of other countries' legislation. France: A law was passed in 2023 requiring parental consent to be obtained for under-15s to create social media accounts - but with no set date to begin and it's yet to be enforced. China: The country has some of the tightest internet controls in the world, with many sites banned, but there is no age-specific social media ban. New rules do regulate the amount of time young people spend online and on social media sites. Denmark: The government in November announced plans to end social media access for children under 15, but parents would be able to grant their 13 and 14-year-olds access. It is unclear when or how the measures would be imposed. Germany: Children aged 13 to 16 can only use social media if their parents give consent, but there are questions over how effectively the rules are enforced. Spain: The government this year approved a draft law to lift the minimum age for social media use to 16, but it hasn't yet come into law. Malaysia: The government is moving to ban under 16s from having social media accounts - the plans are in their early stages but the government says it hopes they can come into force next year. Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 19. What is the UK doing to protect children online?published at 16:08 GMT 16:08 GMT A young girl uses a laptopImage source, PA Media In July, the UK's media regulator Ofcom rolled out new measures aimed at restricting what children can see online, including pornography and other harmful material. They also put the onus on tech firms, including social media companies, to ensure children weren't exposed to harmful content. There are more than 40 guidelines companies must follow, or they risk big fines. They include: + Algorithms must be changed to filter out harmful content from children's feeds + Stricter age checks for people accessing age-restricted content, like pornography + Taking quick action when harmful content is identified + Making terms of service easy for children to understand + Giving children the option to decline group chats invitations which may include harmful content, and to block and mute accounts and to disable comments on their own posts + Providing support to children who come across harmful content Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing 20. Chief of media regulator Ofcom: It'll be interesting to see how the ban plays outpublished at 15:53 GMT 15:53 GMT Ofcom's chief executive Melanie Dawes describes Australia's social media ban as a "very big step to take". Speaking to the BBC before the legislation took effect in Australia, she says "it's going to be interesting to see how it plays out". She says, in conversations with Australia's eSafety commissioner, the ban has been described to her as a "delay" (something our correspondent touched on earlier). "It's about, actually, postponing that moment when children get social media, and they're putting a lot of effort into education and support for those teenagers under 16 to prepare them for then what happens when they do go online with social media later," Dawes says. Watch her remarks in full below: To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Share close panel Share page Copy link About sharing previous page Page 1 of 2 1. 1 2. 2 next page To watch and listen, you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch & listen * Your Voice: Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media. BBC News. 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