Teenagers’ social networks weakened Australia’s platform ban in a follow-up survey

A research team surveyed Australian teenagers after the under-16 social-media restrictions took effect, then followed up in June. It reported very low compliance among 14- and 15-year-olds and widespread perceptions that circumventing restrictions was easy.

Respondents described assistance from family members and strong incentives to remain where their friends were. Some who initially left returned as they saw peers continuing to use the platforms.

These are survey findings, not a complete census or a randomized test of the law’s effects. They nevertheless expose a collective-action problem in a policy implemented account by account. The cost of leaving depends on what everybody else does. Technical barriers and legal duties operate inside that social environment, rather than replacing it.