From Lagos to Sydney: How teens worldwide are responding to Australia’s social media ban for U-16

Australia has made history with a bold new law banning children under 16 from using social media, a move that is expected to be closely watched around the world.

Governments in other countries may consider similar restrictions, sparking debates on online safety, childhood development, and freedom of expression.

The landmark legislation, effective Wednesday, has elicited mixed reactions from teens and adults in different countries, each offering unique perspectives on how the ban could impact young people.

Lagos: “We Were Born With It”

At a Nigerian high school in Lagos where phones are banned in classrooms, 15-year-old student Mitchelle Okinedo is preparing for exams, meticulously reviewing her handwritten notes. She said she understands the reasoning behind the Australian ban.

“Students nowadays are really distracted. Social media can make it hard to focus on schoolwork,” Okinedo said.

Yet she admits that giving up social media entirely would be difficult. “We were born with it, and I don’t think it’s something I want to stop,” she added.

Her mother, 50-year-old event planner Hannah Okinedo, supports a ban for children under 16, noting that many parents struggle to monitor their children online. “Most parents don’t have the time to supervise their kids all day. This law might help,” she said.

Mumbai: “Nothing Is Black or White”

In India, 19-year-old university student Pratigya Jena weighed the pros and cons of social media restrictions. Scrolling through Instagram with friends at the Mumbai seafront, she said, “Social media should be partially banned. Nothing is entirely black or white. While children are exposed to harmful content online, many are also achieving amazing things, like young entrepreneurs building their brands.”

Cricket coach Pratik Bhurke, 38, believes that the Australian law could inspire similar benefits in India. “Encouraging kids to spend more time outdoors, away from screens, can help their physical and mental health,” he said.

Berlin: “Help to Detox”

Thirteen-year-old Luna Drewes in Germany welcomed the ban as a chance for children to step back from unrealistic online standards. “Social media often shows how people think you should look. Girls feel pressured to be thin, and boys to be perfect,” she said.

Her friend, 15-year-old Enno Caro Brandes, agreed that the law might help young people take a break. “It’s extreme, and I can’t imagine giving it up completely, but a detox could be useful,” he said.

Doha: “Really Stupid”

Not everyone agrees. In Qatar, 16-year-old Firdha Razak dismissed the ban as “really stupid.” She explained that with many family members living abroad, social media is the easiest way to stay in touch.

Youssef Walid, also 16, warned that enforcing the law would be difficult. “Teens can easily bypass restrictions with VPNs or create new accounts. Banning it is a bit harsh,” he said.

Mexico City: “Express Yourself”

In Mexico, young social media users stressed the importance of online spaces for self-expression. Eleven-year-old Aranza Gomez said, “Without social media, I would honestly feel sad. It’s how I spend my time and connect with friends.”

Sixteen-year-old Santiago Ramirez Rojas added that while social media is vital, younger children are more vulnerable to dangers online. “There are many cases of kidnappings that start online. Kids around 10 or 12 are especially at risk,” he said.

Sydney: “Not Going to Have Any Impact”

Back in Australia, reactions were divided within families. Fifteen-year-old Layton Lewis doubted that the ban would make a real difference. “I don’t think the government really knows what they’re doing. Kids will find a way around it,” he said.

His mother, Emily Lewis, hopes the law will help children form “better, more authentic relationships.” “They’ll spend time making proper plans to meet friends face-to-face instead of relying on these illusive online friendships,” she said.

Global Implications

Australia’s social media ban has sparked an important global conversation about childhood safety, mental health, and digital responsibility. While some argue it will protect children from harm and encourage healthier offline lives, others worry it could restrict expression, create enforcement challenges, and isolate young people from friends and family.

The law is effective immediately, with tech companies expected to comply by removing users under 16 from their platforms. Governments worldwide are now watching closely to see if Australia’s approach could become a model for other nations.

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