4 months on: what young people are saying about the social media ban
May 04, 2026
It’s been just over four months since Australia introduced restrictions on social media access for under 16s. Designed to improve safety and wellbeing, the policy has sparked national conversation, but young people’s experiences reveal a more complex reality, particularly when it comes to their mental health.
In conversations with young people in regional NSW, a more nuanced picture emerged - a tension between protection and wellbeing, between reducing harm and maintaining the connections that support mental health.
For some, stepping away from social media has been positive. “Great, I am in a good mood now,” shared a 10-year-old boy. Another said, “It’s good because a lot of people I know use it a lot and I like that they are not on it anymore” (10-year-old girl). Others described feeling more energised and present without it: “[Not using social media] makes me feel energetic” (10-year-old boy).
These reflections align with broader insights from Year13’s More Than Social report, which shows young people recognise the potential wellbeing benefits of spending less time online, particularly when it comes to sleep, safety and self-esteem.
For many young people, the most significant impact has been on their sense of connection - especially for those whose friendships exist beyond school or immediate communities.
“I thought it was okay, the unfortunate part was not talking to my friends,” said a 16-year-old girl. Others echoed this more directly: “I can’t talk to my long distance friends anymore” (15-year-old girl), and “It’s made it harder for me to communicate with my friends and family” (15-year-old girl). For one 10-year-old boy, the solution felt obvious: “It should be unbanned because I need to be able to talk to my friends.”
For these young people, social media isn’t just entertainment; connection is a well-established protective factor for mental health, and for many young people, social media is how that connection is maintained. Removing access doesn’t just reduce screen time; it can reduce opportunities for support, belonging and everyday interaction, particularly for those already experiencing isolation.
This is where the complexity sits. While nearly three quarters of young people agree that online spaces should be safer and more age-appropriate*, there are also real concerns about what is lost in the process. Social platforms are not just places to scroll, they are spaces where young people explore identity, find community and access information. For some groups, including LGBTQIA+ young people, these spaces can play a critical role in supporting mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
Many young people are also questioning whether the restrictions are achieving their intended impact. “It didn’t change a lot… kids can still access it,” said an 18-year-old girl. “I don’t think it worked, age verification is easy to opt out of,” added a 17-year-old girl, while an 18-year-old boy shared, “It seems easy to bypass.” These experiences mirror wider sentiment, with relatively low confidence in how effectively the restrictions are being enforced. When restrictions are perceived as easy to work around, it can undermine trust in the system, and limit any meaningful impact on wellbeing outcomes, while still creating friction for those who follow the rules.
Questions of fairness also influence how young people experience the changes. “I don’t like it, it should be for under 12s!” said a 16-year-old girl. Another young person shared, “I think the ban is unfair for people that like talking to their friends online, and it’s affecting people’s mental health” (15-year-old boy). Notably, those most directly impacted by the policy - 12 to 15-year-olds - are also the least supportive.*
For a generation that has grown up online, social media is deeply embedded in how they communicate, learn and express themselves. Blanket restrictions can feel out of step with that reality, particularly for teenagers navigating independence.
At the same time, not all young people felt impacted. “It hasn’t affected me at all but I also never had any social media accounts,” said a 13-year-old girl, while another shared, “There’s no difference to me because I never had it before the ban” (12-year-old girl).
Beyond connection, there is also a broader shift in how young people access information and opportunity - both of which play a role in wellbeing and future outlook. Around four in five young people use social media daily, and a similar number report building skills or knowledge online each week.* As access becomes more limited, these pathways are changing.
Young people are clear about what they want in its place: practical, structured support. Research shows strong demand for opportunities like mentoring and life skills education - with 93% of young people more likely to engage with organisations that provide this kind of support.*
This reflects what broader research has also shown: the relationship between social media and mental health is complex. It’s shaped not just by time spent online, but by how platforms are used, the quality of interactions, and the role they play in a young person’s life.
Four months on, what’s clear is that there is no single experience of the social media ban. Some young people feel better without it. Some feel more disconnected. Some haven’t been impacted at all. And many aren’t convinced it’s working as intended.
What hasn’t changed is young people’s need for connection, belonging and access to information.
Policies designed to support young people’s wellbeing must reflect the realities of their lives. That means recognising both the risks and the value of online spaces, and ensuring that solutions don’t unintentionally remove the very connections that support mental health.
If the goal is to improve wellbeing, the focus can’t just be on restricting access, it must also be on what comes next. As conversations around digital safety continue, these perspectives matter. They remind us that supporting young people’s mental health isn’t about simple solutions - it’s about understanding the role these platforms play in their lives, and ensuring that any changes don’t unintentionally remove the connections and opportunities that support their wellbeing.
Quotes from young people collected during an in-person event on the Central Coast in regional NSW, April 2026.