Overview
- The eSafety Commission began a multi‑year evaluation following more than 4,000 children aged 10–16 to examine how the new age restrictions affect families and young people.
- Researchers will analyze NAPLAN scores, Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme records alongside interviews, surveys and smartphone usage tracking.
- Stanford University’s Social Media Lab is a partner on the project, with guidance from an advisory group of 11 experts and input from the eSafety Youth Council.
- Early findings will be released later in 2026, with additional public reports and peer‑reviewed publications planned through 2027 and 2028.
- eSafety says all 10 targeted platforms met requirements on January 16 and the government reports 4.7 million accounts removed, while further compliance notices are expected and legal challenges from Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project are moving forward.