Australian teenagers are already migrating to alternative platforms as the government prepares to implement a significant social media ban for those under 16.

With millions of accounts set to be deactivated in just ten days, the true test will emerge in the aftermath of this sweeping measure.

In anticipation, some students have begun exploring smaller social networks that have not been included on the government’s restricted list.

“We observed how American teens reacted when TikTok was banned—they flocked to platforms like Rednote and Lemon8, which is similar to Instagram,” noted eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

“…It’s a natural tendency for teenagers to seek new avenues,” she added.

Yope, a photo-sharing app listed as lifestyle in mobile app stores, is rocketing up the charts.

A report from Queensland University of Technology released today found young users wanted social media improved but didn’t believe bans were the answer.

Nor did they believe the age restrictions were enforceable.

“Any attempt to just shut it off overnight like they’re going to do is completely disregarding our kids’ intelligence,” Victorian Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May said.

Education Minister Jason Clare said if other “equally insidious” platforms arose, MPs would be able to ban them too.

This would create a whack-a-mole situation with politicians attempting to keep up with tech innovators but Communications Minister Anika Wells insisted the focus would be on apps causing the most harm.

“Big tech is agile, innovative and moves quickly, so we must do the same,” she said.

“We expect the laws to be untidy but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.”

For now, most of popular apps on the banned list have begun informing users under 16 that their accounts will be shut down in the week ahead.

“This needs to be compassionate and kind because it’s going to be a huge transition for young people,” Inman Grant said.