Australian teens brag about getting around social media ban's age screening

A day after the world's first legislative social media ban, Australia's under-16 teens are still online and bragging about bypassing the security features that were meant to block them.

The Australian federal government law came into effect on Dec. 10, 2025.

It blocks anyone under 16 from accessing or creating accounts on apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube and Snapchat.

Despite the ban and the implemented algorithms for age checks, many teens were still online on Dec. 11.

Teens found ways to hack the system

The move was meant to ensure the wellbeing and to protect the mental health of teens under 16.

However, Australian teens are now sharing tips on how to bypass age screening on the same platforms they are supposed to be banned from.

One user on TikTok shared how she altered her face by sucking in her cheeks in during the facial scan for Snapchat.

Her comments section was rife with tips on how to bypass the ban.

Some teens suggested roping their parents in for the age verification checks to evade the algorithms grasp.

In another TikTok video, an Australian girl scanned her mother's face to get around the age check.

Other teens also suggested using Virtual Private Network (VPN) to change the region's location from Australia to Singapore.

Only social media companies are penalised

The legislation does not penalise those under 16 and their parents for dodging the rules, as the ban targets social media companies to implement age restrictions and controls.

Social media companies are obligated to prevent banned users from surfing their platforms.

These companies may be fined up to AUD 50 million (S$43 million) for failing to do so.

The ban does not affect platforms such as messaging apps and online gaming websites.

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Top photo from unicornsparkleupmybum/TikTok and ace.writes.stuff/TikTok.