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Andrew Leigh defends Australia's social media ban as regulator finds over 80 percent of teenagers still use platforms.

Australia's internet regulator, eSafety, reported that more than 80 percent of teenagers continue to use social media despite a landmark three-month-old ban on platforms for children under 16. The study found that most children aged 10 to 15 used social media just as frequently in March as they did before the ban, primarily because tech firms failed to implement effective age assurance measures. Andrew Leigh, assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury, defended the government's policy on Saturday. He noted that while 100 percent compliance is not expected, the ban has already reshaped the national conversation and resulted in millions of accounts being shut down. The report also highlighted an unintended consequence: parental awareness of children's social media habits declined after the restrictions began. However, early signs suggest a redistribution of time, with children's daily use of messaging platforms and online gaming increasing as they move toward platforms not currently classified as age-restricted.

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