For many Australian teenagers, life has changed dramatically in the first month since the government introduced its under-16 social media ban. Some, like 14-year-old Amy from Sydney, describe feeling “disconnected from my phone” and free from the pressures of daily social media use, while others find workarounds to maintain their online presence.
Teenagers Adjust to Life Without Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok
Amy’s experience highlights how teens are slowly adapting to the new restrictions. On day two of the ban, she instinctively reached for Snapchat, even though the app was blocked. By day four, after platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat went offline for under-16s, she began noticing a sense of freedom.
“While it’s sad that I can’t snap my friends, I can still text them on other platforms, and I honestly feel kind of free knowing I don’t have to worry about doing my streaks anymore,” Amy wrote in her diary.
Snapchat streaks, which require daily photo or video exchanges, had become a habitual and sometimes addictive feature for Amy. Over the course of a week, she replaced her online routines with offline activities like running, gradually reducing her screen time.
A month later, Amy says her daily habits have changed significantly.
“Opening Snapchat would often lead to Instagram and then TikTok, which sometimes resulted in me losing track of time… I now reach for my phone less and mainly use it when I genuinely need to do something.”
Mixed Reactions Across Households
Not all teenagers have responded positively. 13-year-old Aahil continues to spend around two and a half hours daily on social media, mainly using platforms not included in the ban, like Roblox and Discord.
“It hasn’t really changed anything,” Aahil says, noting that most of his friends still have access to social media.
His mother, Mau, observes that he is moodier since the ban, though she also attributes some of this to typical teenage behavior.
Consumer psychologist Christina Anthony explains that initial mood changes are common when teens lose access to familiar social media, which many use for stress relief, social connection, and managing boredom. Over time, she says, teens may develop alternative coping strategies, such as talking with family or friends offline.
Shifts to Alternative Apps
Many teens have sought alternative platforms to stay connected. Before the ban, apps like Lemon8, Yope, and Coverstar saw surges in downloads as teens looked for new social spaces. Some, like Amy, downloaded these apps due to social pressure and fear of missing out, but ultimately did not use them.
“Since then, my interest in social media has decreased significantly,” Amy says.
Similarly, VPN downloads increased as teens attempted to bypass restrictions, though usage has since normalized. Experts note that VPNs are limited in effectiveness for teens, as platforms can detect attempts to circumvent age restrictions.
The Role of Messaging and Gaming Platforms
Apps not included in the ban, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, have become more popular for peer communication. Meanwhile, the exclusion of gaming platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Twitch has sparked debate, as these platforms can provide similar social and entertainment benefits to social media.
Mark Johnson, a lecturer on digital cultures, notes that gaming requires more technical knowledge and equipment, meaning it is harder for newcomers to switch than simply using alternative social media platforms.
Early Signs of Offline Benefits
For some teens, the ban has encouraged offline activities and mindfulness. Amy, for example, spent less time online during the Bondi Beach shootings in December, avoiding distressing news content on TikTok and Instagram. She has also dedicated more time to reading, exercising, and personal projects, though the long-term impact remains uncertain.
Her mother, Yuko, notes that Amy appears content spending more time alone, though it is too early to determine whether this shift is entirely due to the ban or coincides with quieter holiday routines.
Government Perspective
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Communications Minister Anika Wells have emphasized that the ban aims to protect young Australians from online bullying, predators, and harmful content. Tech companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for failing to enforce age restrictions.
“Delaying access to social media is giving young Australians three more years to build their community and identity offline,” a spokesperson said, highlighting the government’s hope that teens spend more time with family and friends.
Conclusion: Time Will Tell
The first month of the social media ban has produced mixed results. Some teens, like Amy, feel liberated and more present, while others, like Aahil and Lulu, continue to find ways to engage online. Experts suggest that long-term effects on social skills, mental health, and offline habits will only become clear over time.
As Australia’s experiment continues, families, psychologists, and policymakers will be watching to see whether digital disconnection improves well-being or simply encourages migration to alternative online spaces.
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