SYDNEY: Australia has imposed a nationwide ban preventing children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, a world-first crackdown aimed at protecting young users from online harm.
The new law, which took effect after midnight on Wednesday, targets platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, Twitch and Kick. Companies that fail to bar underage users face fines of up to US$33 million.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision marks a turning point in Australia’s digital culture.
“Enough is enough. This is one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced. We will take back control, he declared.
The government said the measures were necessary to shield children from predatory algorithms that expose them to bullying, sexual content and violence.
Across the country, hundreds of thousands of teenagers woke up locked out of applications they once used daily.
Ten-year-old Bianca Navarro said she was already counting the years until she could return to YouTube.
It will be pretty sad because I have six years to wait,” she said.
The ban has been widely welcomed by parents, particularly those affected by online abuse.
Mia Bannister, whose teenage son died by suicide after being bullied online, described the policy as long overdue.
“I’m tired of social media giants avoiding responsibility. We hand children phones and, with it, something incredibly dangerous,” she said.
While researchers say excessive social media use is increasingly linked to declining teen wellbeing, experts caution that the issue is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
Tech companies have strongly criticised the law. Meta warned the ban could push teens toward less regulated online spaces, while Elon Musk’s X told users the restriction was imposed by law, not company choice.
Although most platforms have agreed to comply, legal challenges are already emerging.
Reddit has not ruled out contesting the ban, while an Australian digital rights group has launched a court action to reinstate teenage access.
The government admits enforcement will not be perfect and that some teenagers may try to evade safeguards.
Platforms are expected to take reasonable steps to verify ages, including the use of AI tools or official identification.
Some apps including WhatsApp, Pinterest and Roblox are currently exempt, but authorities say the list remains under review.
Australia’s move is being closely watched internationally, with New Zealand and Malaysia already considering similar restrictions.
