Reddit Banned, Roblox Spared: Australia Confirms Platforms Facing Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia has unveiled the final list of online platforms set to be affected by its world-first under-16 social media ban, confirming that Reddit and Kick are now officially classified as restricted — while Roblox has been granted a temporary reprieve.
From December 10, companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to stop users under 16 from accessing their platforms could face fines of up to $49.5 million.
The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during a press conference where they released new guidance to provide clear directions for platforms as part of the Australian Governments world-leading under-16 social media laws. Sydney, NSW. September 16, 2025. (Kate Geraghty)
The ban aims to limit young people’s exposure to what the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant described as “harmful and deceptive design features” including “opaque algorithms and endless scroll.”
“Delaying access to social media gives children time to learn and grow free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful design,” Inman Grant said.
“Age restricting social media is one important tool in our holistic approach to online safety.”
The Updated List: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Under the latest classification:
Banned for under-16s: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and Kick.
Not considered social media: Roblox, Discord, Steam and Steam Chat, GitHub, LEGO Play, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Messenger, and YouTube Kids.
The eSafety Commissioner said platforms not currently classified as social media are still responsible for self-assessing their risk, especially if their purpose includes enabling “online social interaction.”
Ongoing Concerns About Safety and Enforcement
While Roblox escaped the initial ban, it remains under scrutiny following warnings from Australian police and U.S. authorities that predators use the platform to target children. In August, Louisiana’s Attorney General Liz Murrill sued Roblox, accusing it of failing to protect young users from adult predators who “thrive, unite, hunt and victimise kids.”
The Australian Federal Police have also warned of “crimefluencers” exploiting online games like Roblox to reach minors.
Critics of the ban argue that enforcing it will be difficult, as teenagers can easily bypass restrictions using VPNs or fake age credentials.
A Cardiff Metropolitan University lecturer said that while the move is well-intentioned, “people will get around it.”
“You’ve got to have robust controls otherwise it’s not as effective as it could be,” he said. “They’re right to do this because of the harm that social media lands on young people.”
Government Says It’s About Cultural Change
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the law was about reassuring parents and shifting online culture.
“Kids are going to be kids — they’ll try to get around it. It won’t be perfect, but it’s going to make a meaningful difference,” she said on Nova radio.
“This is the first step. It will make a huge cultural change in this country.”
The eSafety Commissioner urged parents, teachers, and children to visit esafety.gov.au for guidance during what she described as a “significant transition.”
“Ultimately, all online platforms should be building less harmful, age-appropriate experiences through safety by design,” Inman Grant said.