The young Aussies getting ahead of the social ban and making their own exodus

"A new study shows more than two million Australians plan to reduce or quit social media rather than complete age-verification, with Gen Z leading the exodus from the platforms they grew up on over safety concerns."

"The shift comes as major platforms - including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, and Reddit - face a December 10 deadline to implement strict age-verification measures for users under 16, with penalties of up to $50 million for non-compliance."

"Charlie Honour, 19, who runs the car detailing business Car Magic with his friend Joe Wright, 18, in Sydney's Northern Beaches, said he personally doesn't feel much attachment to social media anymore. Charlie said they already avoid private social media "just for privacy," and the new verification rules only reinforce that decision. Professionally, however, it still matters."

Australia is set to ban social media accounts for anyone under 16 unless platforms implement strict age verification by December 10, under threat of fines up to $50 million. More than two million Australians say they will reduce or quit social media rather than undergo verification, with Gen Z leading that trend. Major platforms and businesses face potential changes to reach, advertising, and growth as younger users amplify content organically. Some creators and small businesses risk slower audience growth because under-18s often share and spread their content. Privacy concerns are reinforcing reduced personal use.

Read at 7NEWS