Teen Fights Government’s Social Media Ban in High Court After Learning of It on Social Media

A 15-year-old Sydney high school student, Noah Jones, who learned about the Australian government's upcoming social media ban for children under 16 on social media itself, is now fighting the legislation in the High Court. Noah, alongside 15-year-old Macy Neyland, is one of the plaintiffs in a case challenging the constitutionality of the ban, which will see children under 16 removed from major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok starting December 10, 2025.

Renee Jones and her son, 15-year-old Noah Jones.

Noah, who uses social media to engage in politics, expressed his concerns that the ban would restrict his access to vital information, particularly as he nears voting age. “It’s not only about just 15-year-olds. It’s about how we have rights as Australians, and we’ll become invisible with this ban,” he said. He further highlighted the risk of children circumventing the rules, creating fake profiles that could leave them vulnerable and unable to report any concerning content or activity.

His mother, Renee Jones, a former primary school teacher turned lawyer, argued that while child protection is paramount, the government's focus should be on tackling online predators and unsafe content rather than removing children from platforms altogether. She emphasized that social media is a part of their lives, with Noah’s entire upbringing documented and shared online.

Libertarian MP John Ruddick, who filed the court proceedings, believes the law will only lead to a “shadow” social media landscape, making it harder to ensure safety for young users. He and the plaintiffs hope to secure an injunction to delay the law from taking effect until the case is heard early next year.

Communications Minister Anika Wells remains steadfast in defending the law, stating that it aligns with protecting children and not caving to the platforms. "The Albanese government remains steadfastly on the side of parents and not of platforms," she said, undeterred by the legal challenges. The court will set a date for the hearing soon, ahead of the holiday season.