Minister Stands Firm on Under-16 Social Media Ban as High Court Challenge Looms

Minister for Communications Anika Wells at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on July 30, 2025. AAP Image/Mick TsikasCANBERRA, Australia—Days after teenagers lodged a High Court challenge to overturn Australia’s looming social-media ban, federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has vowed to defend the law—saying she has the backing of parents to do so.“They (parents) know, and we know that this will not be perfect … but for the seven out of 10 kids who witness online harm, we have to give this a crack,” Wells told the National Press Club, one week before the ban comes into force.