Name: Australia enacts world-first social media ban for under-16s
Uploaded: 2025-12-10T06:25:34.931Z
Duration: 2 min 25 s
Description: Australia has implemented a landmark ban preventing children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The move, driven by concerns over youth mental health, has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

Australia has implemented a landmark ban preventing children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The move, driven by concerns over youth mental health, has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

Canberra

Australia has introduced a nationwide ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, making it the first country in the world to enact such legislation. The reform, supported by grieving parents and government officials, aims to protect young people from online bullying and harmful content, with around 2 million youths affected by the new restrictions.

The law requires social media companies to report account shutdowns and imposes significant fines for non-compliance. The initiative has attracted international attention and debate, with authorities emphasizing the goal of fostering healthier childhoods and cultural shifts away from excessive screen time.

Australia enacts world-first social media ban for under-16s

The power of grieving parents and the Prime Minister's proudest moment. Make no mistake, this reform will change lives for Australian kids and allowing them to just have their childhood. Encouraging kids off their phones and into the backyard on Digital D-Day. The under 16 social media ban becoming part of the Australian culture. Today we change a generation. We deserve the chance to figure out who we are without algorithms telling us what to like, what to think and how to feel. Around 2 million young Australians woke up this morning to a new era, locked out of their favourite apps including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. On Snapchat I noticed my friends were being taken off, which was kind of sad. It was kind of relieving. I felt like a bit of pressure almost lifted off me. As many find ways to trick the system. I think I may have found a loophole. And alternative platforms topped the app charts. Just because they might have avoided it today doesn't mean that they will be able to avoid it in a week's time or a month's time. We won't be deterred. We are playing the long game. The change championed by the SA Premier and driven by heartbroken mums and dads who lost their children to suicide over online bullying and harmful content. For them, today is bittersweet. Our kids that we've lost haven't died in vain. I'd do anything for him to be here today, but it's about saving those future generations. The laws are the first of their kind in the world. Foreign media flying in as it goes viral. Hello, we start in Australia. The first country in the world to ban social media. Kids under the age of 16 will no longer be able to access platforms. And it's led to a heated debate worldwide. Is it going to work? And what implications are there for everyone else? Other countries are considering it too. How can you not follow a country who is clearly prioritising teen safety ahead of tech profits? Tomorrow, social media giants will be asked to report how many accounts they've shut down. $50 million fines will be issued for systemic failures. Success, the federal government says, will be measured by the cultural shift in homes and schools. Over the summer, I want to see young people out there engaged in sport, engaging and kicking a footy. It's a proud moment to be Australian. Chloe Boris, Teen News.

In Australia, millions of kids' social media profiles are going dark, as the country's new social media ban takes effect for anyone under 16. Jo Ling Kent reports.

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