A recent study indicates that a significant portion of Australian children under the age of 16 continue to use social media apps, despite a ban implemented in December. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such bans and their potential impact on youth safety. **Key Findings** According to research, 61% of Australian children between 12 and 15 years old reported accessing social media platforms despite the ban. The study, conducted by a UK foundation and an Australian youth research agency, suggests that platforms are failing to effectively identify and remove underage accounts. The survey found that **TikTok** and **YouTube** retained 53% of their previous youth users, while **Instagram** maintained 52%. Respondents indicated they could access these platforms without needing to circumvent any restrictions. **Implications for the UK and Europe** The findings are particularly relevant as the UK government considers new restrictions on youth access to social media. Several European countries, including Greece, France, Spain and the Netherlands, are also contemplating or implementing similar bans. **Molly Rose Foundation** CEO Andy Burrows stated that the Australian experience suggests that a social media ban could be a "high stakes gamble" for the UK. He emphasized that a flawed ban could create a false sense of security. **Call for Stronger Measures** The **Molly Rose Foundation** advocates for updating the UK’s Online Safety Act to include a "systemic Duty of Care." This would require social media companies to implement robust safety measures, including age verification and content moderation. The foundation also calls for regulatory incentives that prioritize harm reduction and strengthen the regulatory regime, specifically targeting large social media companies. **European Initiatives** Several European countries are actively pursuing social media restrictions for children: * Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a ban on social media for children under 15, effective January 1, 2027. * The French Senate passed a bill to ban social media for children under 15. * The European Parliament proposed a non-binding resolution stating that children 15 and younger should not use video-sharing platforms, social media, or AI companions without parental consent. * Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to block children under 16 from using social media. * The Dutch government also intends to restrict access for children under 15. **The Road Ahead** These developments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of social media in children's lives and the challenges of regulating online platforms to protect young users. As governments worldwide grapple with these issues, effective age verification and content moderation strategies will be crucial for ensuring a safer online environment for children.