Australian Teens Challenge High Court Over Under-16 Social Media Ban

SYDNEY, Nov. 26, 2025 — Two Australian teenagers have taken their case to the nation’s High Court in a last-minute bid to stop a controversial law that will ban all children under 16 from using social media. The legal challenge comes just weeks before the nationwide restriction is scheduled to take effect.

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The applicants, both aged 15, argue that the new law violates their constitutional rights, particularly the implied freedom of political communication. Their legal team says the restriction could silence millions of young Australians who rely on social platforms to engage in public debate, express opinions and participate in national conversations.

One of the teenagers described the law as “frightening,” warning that it could erase youth voices from important social issues. Supporters of the challenge say the ban is too broad and fails to consider legitimate, positive uses of social media such as education, activism and community involvement.

The ban, which was passed in 2024, will require all major platforms to deactivate under-16 accounts or face substantial penalties. The government argues the move is necessary to protect minors from cyberbullying, harmful content and mental-health risks. Officials maintain that online safety should take priority over digital access for young teens.

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However, digital rights advocates insist the law sets a dangerous precedent by restricting communication rather than tackling the root causes of online harm. The High Court’s decision is expected to carry significant implications for future online-safety reforms and could influence how other countries regulate children’s access to social media.