More than 80% of Australian children aged eight to 12 use social media or messaging services that are only meant to be for over-13s, according to new research. It comes as Australia plans to implement a total social media ban for under-16s that is expected by the end of this year.

Children in Australia are able to easily bypass the minimum age limit imposed by social media platforms, a report by the country's online safety regulator showed on Thursday, ahead of a landmark ban by the government on access for those under 16.

A report by Australias online safety regulator revealed that children can easily bypass social media age restrictions, prompting the government to enforce a landmark ban for users under 16 by late 2025.

Australia's internet regulator found YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat were the most popular platforms among children.