Almost two-thirds of Australians support the federal government’s ban on social media accounts for under 16s, with strongest support coming from parents.

The DemosAU online poll of 809 Australians found 64% supported the law, 24% opposed and 12% said Don’t Know.

Parents were slightly more likely to be in favour of the ban (65% support) compared to non-parents (62%).

DemosAU also tested confidence in how the proposed law would work and if the ban would be effective.

A majority of people (53%) responded that ‘the law would be ineffective as under 16s will get access using their parents or older friend’s social media accounts’. While 34% said the law would be effective in preventing under 16s from accessing harmful content.

Broken down by age, 45% of young people aged 18-34 were most likely to believe the law would be effective, compared to 37% for 35 – 45 year olds, and 24% for over 55s.

DemosAU Head of Research George Hasanakos said there was clear support for the government’s world-first policy amongst parents and Australians generally, despite concerns about its effectiveness.

“We found that the majority of people supported the social media ban but when we asked about the effectiveness of the law, many respondents indicated concern.

“Interestingly, parents were more likely than non-parents to believe the law will be effective, which may indicate some parents’ willingness to enforce the ban at home.

“Maybe they also see it in the same vein as the government – that social media is a huge issue for young people’s mental health and they want to see the law work.”

Mr Hasanakos said younger people were also more likely to believe the laws would work compared to over 55s.

“The generation who are most close in age to the affected ban were more likely to believe the laws would be effective.”

The poll, conducted between 5 and 16 December, also asked which social media apps should be banned. The findings are below.

Read the full report here.