As Australia’s sweeping ban on social media access for under-16s begins to take root, many young users are already turning to lesser-known apps not yet covered by the law.

Platforms such as Coverstar, Lemon8 and Yope have seen a surge in popularity among teens seeking to stay online despite the restrictions.

The new legislation, which takes full effect from December 10, 2025, prohibits Australians under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, Threads and YouTube.

Users under 16 have had their accounts frozen or deactivated, and the creation of new ones is blocked.

The law imposes heavy penalties on platforms that fail to comply.

With their usual apps off-limits, many teenagers are exploring alternatives.

The app Coverstar bills itself as a “social app for Gen Alpha,” emphasising creativity and a safer environment through AI moderation and a ban on direct messaging.

Lemon8 — owned by the parent company of TikTok — allows easy transfer of content from TikTok, making it familiar for users leaving the service.

Meanwhile, Yope offers a private photo-messaging format akin to a more controlled version of Snapchat.

Regulators have already started to scrutinise these emerging platforms.

The national online safety authority has reached out to app developers to assess their compliance with Australia’s regulations.

Some experts warn that while the ban may push minors away from mainstream platforms, it could also drive them toward more secretive, less regulated corners of the internet, potentially increasing the risk of exposure to harmful content.

For many teens and parents, this migration signals a significant digital shift — a reconfiguration of online habits and communities under the pressure of legislation.

Monitoring and responding to this shift will be crucial in the coming weeks, as regulators weigh whether to expand the list of restricted platforms or to apply new enforcement measures to emerging apps.