More than 20% of Australian teenagers under 16 are still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors. This raises concerns about how effective the age-verification rules are.

Data from the parental control software maker Qustodio showed that TikTok and Snapchat use among 13–15-year-olds declined after the December ban. However, over one-fifth of teens were still using the apps by February.

Under the new law, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat must block users under 16. Otherwise, they could face fines of up to A$49.5 million (about $35 million).

Australia’s internet regulator said it is monitoring compliance. It is also working with platforms and age-verification providers to identify any potential breaches of the law.

The Qustodio data showed Snapchat use among 13–15-year-olds fell 13.8 percentage points to 20.3%. In addition, TikTok use dropped 5.7 percentage points to 21.2% between November and February.

YouTube use declined slightly to 36.9%, though the ban allows users of all ages to watch content without logging in. The report also noted that some teenagers may gradually return to these platforms, even though the ban initially reduced usage.

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