Australia's pioneering social media ban for under-16s officially came into force on 10 December 2025, removing more than a million children from major platforms. However, rather than simply logging off, many young Australians are turning to alternative apps that are not included on the government's restricted list. Critics have warned that this approach resembles a game of 'whack-a-mole', with new platforms quickly rising to fill the gap left by banned sites.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 requires 10 major platforms to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent anyone under 16 from creating accounts. Those that fail to comply face fines of up to £24 million ($32 million), according to the eSafety Commissioner. For concerned parents wondering where their children might be heading online next, here's a breakdown of the emerging platforms gaining popularity.
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