A sudden migration
With the countdown on for the upcoming social-media age restrictions in Australia, many children and teens are racing to find a new online hangout. According to local reports, apps like Yope and Lemon8 have soared in popularity as youngsters seek alternatives to platforms soon to be off-limits.
Lemon8, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot — climbing app-store charts as under-16s scramble to relocate before the formal ban kicks in.
Why Lemon8 appeals — for now
Lemon8 blends the best-known elements of lifestyle social apps: scrolling feeds of photos and videos, curated “For You” content, focus on fashion, food, travel, wellness — basically a mash-up of Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.
Its aesthetic-driven, lifestyle-oriented vibe feels accessible and “harmless” — an attractive alternative for teens wanting to stay online without the baggage of major platforms.
Legislation catches up — age rules incoming
Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which becomes effective on 10 December 2025, social-media companies must block users under 16 from having accounts.
Initially, platforms like the usual giants (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) were the focus. But regulators and lawmakers warned that “less regulated” apps — like Lemon8 — could also be swept in.
In response, Lemon8 reportedly plans to restrict its users to over-16s starting next week.
Risks remain despite age limits
Despite official age requirements — many sources note Lemon8’s Terms of Service expect users to be 18+ — in practice the app lacks strong age verification and under-16s (or even younger teens) have reportedly been able to sign up.
Security experts warn that with minimal age checks, children may easily slip through the cracks, gaining access to content not suited for their age or exposing themselves to data privacy risks.
Furthermore, like many social platforms, Lemon8’s feeds can promote aspirational content around beauty, body image, lifestyle — which can negatively influence vulnerable teens just as older platforms have done.
What this means for parents and regulators
The current rush to alternative apps — and subsequent tightening by Lemon8 — highlights the limitations of blunt-force bans. Adolescents may simply migrate to smaller, less-regulated platforms, at least until those platforms implement their own age-verification.
For parents, this moment may be a reminder that the “safe platform” doesn’t exist: even seemingly benign apps can carry risks — especially when the enforcement of age and content moderation is uncertain.
Regulators must remain vigilant. The success of the new age-ban law depends not only on major platforms’ compliance, but also on emerging apps being held to the same standards.
Writer and editor specialising in lifestyle, culture and social trends across Australia and Oceania. Spent 5 years contributing to national magazines and online outlets.
