Nearly 5 million social media accounts belonging to Australian teens have been wiped since December 10, 2025, when the world’s first under-16 ban took effect. The move – dubbed 'Operation Digital Timeout' – is already reshaping how young people interact online 🕒💻.
By the Numbers
Meta led the purge with 550K accounts removed from Instagram and Facebook, while platforms like TikTok and Snapchat scrambled to comply. Reddit? They’re fighting the ban in court ⚖️.
Global Domino Effect
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it a 'source of Australian pride,' with France and Malaysia already drafting copycat laws. Even U.S. states are watching closely 👀🌍.
But Is It Working?
While 4.7M accounts are gone, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant warns some teens still slip through: 'Safety laws aren’t magic wands,' she said, comparing it to speed limits that don’t stop all reckless drivers 🚦.
What’s Next?
A multi-year mental health study launches this month to track the ban’s real-world impact. Meanwhile, smaller apps saw brief download spikes – but no lasting teen migration 🧠📉.
