Australia has decided to ban teens under 16 from creating YouTube accounts. This is part of a wider effort to protect young people from harmful content online. The ban will begin in December 2025 and also applies to other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat.
Why Was YouTube Included in the Ban?
New research showed that YouTube is not as safe for children as many had believed. A government survey found that 37% of kids aged 10 to 15 came across harmful videos on YouTube, more than on any other platform. This content can be disturbing, hateful, or unhealthy and can affect children negatively.
How Will the Ban Work?
Teens under 16 won’t be able to create or use accounts on YouTube. This means they cannot upload videos, leave comments, or interact with other users. However, they can still watch public videos without logging in. YouTube Kids, a special app designed for children’s content, will still be available to them.
YouTube’s Response to the Ban
YouTube, owned by Google, disagrees with this ban. They say YouTube is a video-sharing platform, not a typical social media site. The company emphasizes its educational content and its popularity—three out of four Australian teens aged 13 to 15 use YouTube. Reports also say Google warned the government about possible legal action if YouTube was included.
The Government’s Reasons for the Ban
Australia’s government wants to keep children safe from harmful and addictive content online. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this move supports parents and sends a message to social media companies that they must be responsible for young users’ safety. Companies that don’t follow the rules could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Challenges and Criticism
Not everyone agrees that banning teens from YouTube is the best solution. Some experts think teaching digital safety and improving content rules would work better. There are also concerns about how the age restrictions will be enforced and whether kids might try to bypass the ban.
Australia’s decision to ban YouTube accounts for teens under 16 is a major step in protecting children online. The ban came after evidence showed many young users face real risks from harmful content. While opinions on the best way to protect kids differ, Australia is taking strong action to safeguard its youngest internet users.