The Australian government implemented a temporary prohibition on mainstream social media platforms for all users aged 16 and under beginning 15 April 2024. The measure, intended to mitigate concerns about misinformation and teenage wellbeing, was scheduled to expire on 14 May 2024, creating a controlled one‑month environment for research and policy evaluation. bDuring this period, a national survey captured perspectives from over 4,000 adolescents across urban and regional areas, gathering quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback about their digital habits, emotional states and social interactions./b_2_ Initial data indicates a division among teens: approximately 40 percent reported a clear reduction in daily time spent on prohibited platforms, citing increased engagement in outdoor activities or academic pursuits as substitutes. A subset of respondents identified a shift toward alternative forms of communication, including encrypted messaging apps and school‑based forums that remained operational. Conversely, roughly 50 percent of participants noted little to no change, emphasizing continued reliance on short‑form content delivered via third‑party channels not subject to the ban. The interim insights do not yet establish a definitive causal relationship between the shutdown and long‑term changes in internet usage patterns but point toward an interaction between regulatory intervention and individual adaptability. _3_ Further longitudinal studies will aim to map the trajectories of youth media consumption beyond the ban’s conclusion, assessing whether observed behavioural modifications persist, revert or evolve. Researchers anticipate that the current findings will inform both the design of future policy instruments and the allocation of resources for digital education programs. Diplomatic and industry stakeholders are already considering whether similar measures might be adapted for other demographic segments or integrated with broader digital wellbeing initiatives. The collective observations present a nuanced picture that underscores the complexity of regulating technology usage while preserving user autonomy and developmental freedom.