[Social media banned. Photo Credit: Pixabay]

Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children under the age of 16 from using most  social media platforms. This decision is being seen as a major precedent in how governments address the influence of technology on young people.  While many countries have debated stricter social media regulations, Australia is the first to implement such a  comprehensive national policy.  The government says the goal is to safeguard kids from online risks and protect their mental health. The ban officially  takes effect on December 10th, 2025. Popular platforms like Instagram,  TikTok, Snapchat are no longer allowed to let users under 16 have or create accounts.  Instead of blaming kids or parents, the law places the responsibility on social media companies.  If these companies  fail to comply, they could  face fines of up to $50 million AUD.

The Australian government says social media can harm young people in many ways. The problems include cyberbullying,  screen addiction, and exposure to  harmful or unrealistic content.  The issues can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, especially for teenagers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the law is meant to give young people more time to grow without constant pressure from social media. Mental health experts say teenagers are  particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Many parents  have expressed support for the ban. They believe social media companies have not done enough to protect children on their own. Some parents say the ban will help teenagers focus more on school, new hobbies, and true friendships. Teachers and child safety groups  hope  the ban will reduce online bullying and help students feel less pressure to compare themselves to others. However, not everyone agrees with the law. Some teenagers are disappointed and  upset, arguing that social media helps them stay connected with friends. Others say  social media platforms provide a  space for them to express themselves easily or find support when they feel lonely. Some critics worry that kids might feel more alone, especially when they are already struggling. Critics also point out that for some teens, especially those who live in remote areas or have difficulty making friends in person, online platforms can provide a sense of belonging and community that may be hard to  replicate. There are also  significant concerns about privacy. To block younger users, social media companies need to check people’s ages. Critics worry this could mean taking personal information like IDs, which leads to risk of users’ privacy. Technology companies have said the law will be hard to enforce and  there is no  foolproof way to  verify ages online. Some social media companies have pushed back against the ban and  may challenge it in court. They argue that the rules  are  vague and unfairly place all the responsibility on them. The Australian government says it will  proceed with the law and see how it  develops over time. Around the world, many countries are  closely monitoring Australia. Some leaders see this ban as a strong step to protect children online. Others worry it could limit freedom on the internet. Australia plans to review the van in the future to see if it is helping or causing new or more problems. For now, Australia’s ban has  ignited a  significant global conversation about how to keep kids safe online while still allowing them to connect and communicate.