Australia’s newly implemented ban on social media use for children under 16 has triggered a rapid shift towards alternative platforms, prompting experts to warn that the federal government may be left playing a game of “whack-a-mole” with emerging apps.

Experts flag loopholes in ban

The long-awaited restriction came into force this month, barring under-16s from accessing major social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. However, researchers say teenagers are already migrating to lesser-known apps to bypass the rules.

Professor Lisa Given from RMIT University said the law defines social media too broadly while placing a heavy burden on regulators to keep pace with rapidly changing platforms.

“This means regulators must constantly assess new or previously overlooked apps that young people are now flocking to,” she said, describing enforcement as a “whack-a-mole” challenge.

Alternative apps surge in popularity

Daniel Angus, Director of the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology, said under-16 users were actively “shopping around” for alternatives.

On the day the ban came into effect, apps such as Lemon8 and Yope surged in app store rankings, while short-form video platforms like Coverstar and ReelShort entered the top 20 downloads on Android.

“This shows the limits of the ban,” Professor Angus said. “It doesn’t address cultural issues or require platforms to clean up harmful practices. Children are simply voting with their feet.”

Regulator monitoring migration

Australia’s eSafety Commission said it was aware of circumvention tactics and had issued regulatory guidance to platforms. Breaches could attract penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million.

The regulator added that services must continually assess whether they meet the definition of age-restricted social media and take reasonable steps to prevent under-16 access.

Call for digital duty of care

Both experts said a proposed “digital duty of care” law would be more effective than age bans alone. The Commonwealth recently closed consultations on the proposal, which would place stronger obligations on tech companies to prevent online harm.

“Constraining algorithms and advertising would create safer spaces for all ages,” Professor Given said.

Professor Angus warned that pushing children to unregulated platforms could increase risks. “We knew more about the major platforms. Instead of regulating them better, we’ve driven young users into less transparent digital spaces,” he said.