In Australia, the world’s first social media ban aimed at underage users came into effect in December, yet the impact appears limited for many teenagers, including 13-year-olds Kyan and Ivy Babic. Despite being technically prohibited from using platforms like TikTok, both siblings have managed to continue posting their videos without facing any repercussions. This highlights a significant gap between regulations established by authorities and the actual behavior of young users, who often find ways to circumvent such bans.

Kyan, who shares videos showcasing his hobbies, including solving a Rubik's Cube and flaunting his basketball shoes, noted that his TikTok account has not been affected by the ban. His experience is echoed by many of his peers, suggesting that the enforcement of the regulations may not be as stringent as intended. Ivy also experienced no limitations on her account while sharing beauty content, emphasizing that the ban has not changed their daily social media activities.

The Australian approach to regulating social media platforms sets a precedent for potential legislation elsewhere, raising questions about the effectiveness of such bans in an age where internet access and content creation are deeply embedded in youth culture. Families have begun to report their experiences, indicating that while the intent behind the ban is to protect minors, the reality suggests that young users are still very much engaged with these platforms, underscoring the challenges in implementing regulations that align with technological realities.