Australia’s plan to impose a ban on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat for children under 16 is now facing a High Court challenge. As reported by Reuters, a 15-year-old student, Noah Jones has become the face of this opposition. Jones said that the law which is said to come into effect from December 10, 2025 will not protect young people but will instead make the internet more dangerous.
“This measure will make the internet less safe for young people,” he argued, stressing that social media is essential for staying connected and sharing ideas, likening it to a modern-day town square. Jones, who is co-plaintiff in the case alongside another teenage, believe that the ban would be widely circumvented and push young users into less regulated corners of the internet.
The law requires platforms to remove all users under 16 or face hefty fines. The group is of the point-of-view that banning the internet access for the young people is not the solution, instead they should be taught how to navigate digital spaces safely. Supporters say it will shield minors from exploitation and mental health risks, while critics warn it could backfire by isolating young people and limiting their ability to engage in civic discourse. The debate reflects a broader global struggle over how to balance child safety, digital rights, and free expression in the age of social media.