High Court reserves decision on Australia's social media ban for under-16s
The High Court heard arguments about whether Australia's ban on under-16s using social media breaches freedom of political speech.
All seven justices heard arguments over Australia's December 2025 social media ban for under-16s. The two-day hearing ended Wednesday.
The federal government argued the ban protects children from seven specific harms: addictive design, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and worsened ADHD. Reddit challenged the ban.
It creates the worst outcome, they said: children are blocked entirely but can still use adult accounts. These accounts have no safeguards.
Reddit also said the ban is too broad and poorly aimed. Children's right to view safe political content online is part of their freedom to speak about politics.
The government said any burden on political freedom is indirect and small. All state and territory governments sided with the federal government.
The court has reserved its decision.
- All seven
- High Court justices
- December 2025
- Ban start date
Why it mattersThe ruling will determine whether Australia's ban stands or falls, shaping what content millions of young Australians can access and how the law treats children's rights online.
AustraliaAustralians under 16 are currently banned from TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, X, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Threads. A court loss for the government could overturn the ban; a win means it stays in force.
