Discover why millions of minors are still active on restricted platforms

Australia’s landmark social media ban for under-16s is facing its first significant challenge as new data reveals that a substantial number of teenagers continue to access restricted platforms.

A report by parental control software maker Qustodio indicates that despite the legislation enforced in late December, more than one in five children aged 13 to 15 are still using apps such as TikTok and Snapchat.

While the number of Australian teens on TikTok dropped by 5.7 per cent between November and February, usage remains at roughly 21.2 per cent.

The findings have raised urgent questions regarding the efficacy of the ban and the robustness of age-verification methods employed by tech giants.

"Among children whose parents haven't blocked access, a meaningful number continue to use restricted platforms in the months following the ban," Qustodio stated in the report.

Meanwhile, YouTube remains the most popular application, with its usage dipping by only 1 per cent to 36.9 per cent.

The eSafety Commissioner, Australia’s internet regulator, confirmed that the government is "actively engaging with platforms and their age assurance providers ... while continuing to monitor for any systemic failures that may amount to a breach of the law."

The spokesperson added that the regulator was "actively drawing on a range of insights to assess compliance" to ensure companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok adhere to the restrictions.

As nations such as the UK and France consider similar measures, the Australian experience serves as a critical case study in the difficulties of policing youth online behaviour.