Canberra, Australia – July 30, 2025
In a bold step to protect children online, the Australian government has announced plans to ban people under the age of 16 from accessing YouTube and similar video-sharing platforms without verified parental consent.
The proposed law is part of a wider push to make the internet safer for young people, especially as concerns grow about social media addiction, online bullying, and harmful content. If passed, the law would require tech companies like Google (which owns YouTube) to verify users’ ages before allowing them to create accounts or watch unrestricted content.
Australia’s Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, said the government is acting to protect young minds. “We’re not trying to stop kids from using the internet,” she said. “We’re making sure it’s a safer space where they can learn and grow without being exposed to content that could harm their mental health or development.”
Under the proposed rules, children under 16 will need verified permission from a parent or guardian to access platforms like YouTube. Companies that don’t follow the new law could face heavy fines.
The move follows recommendations from child safety experts and growing pressure from parents and educators. Research has shown that constant exposure to videos and social media can affect sleep, learning, and self-esteem, especially in teenagers.
While many parents and child advocates support the idea, others worry it could be hard to enforce or limit access to educational content that YouTube also offers. Tech companies have also raised concerns about privacy and how age verification will be handled without collecting too much personal data.
Australia’s proposed YouTube restrictions for under-16s are aimed at making the internet a healthier space for kids. While there are still questions about how it will work in practice, the message is clear: protecting children online is now a national priority.