Longer term evaluation needed, but current age verification checks are “suboptimal” and being bypassed by many under 16s, warn researchers There is little evidence that Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act has led to any immediate reductions in social media use by under 16s, finds an early analysis of survey data published by The BMJ today. While the researchers acknowledge that
“Protecting the kids” was never the goal.
You’re correct in saying that their primary goal has seen resounding success.