Canberra (HRNW)– Australia has become the first country in the world to implement a social media ban for children under 16, effective today. The legislation, months in the making, restricts platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube for underage users.
Authorities clarified that parents and children will not be penalized, but social media companies could face fines of up to $32 million for violations. The government says the ban is aimed at protecting children from harmful content and cybercrime, although critics argue it may push young users to unsafe corners of the internet.
Reactions among Australian youth have been mixed, with some feeling insulted and others saying they will adapt. European countries are also considering similar legislation to regulate children’s access to social media.
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