Australia has become the first country to ban social media access for users under the age of 16, with the new law officially taking effect this week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the measure, which requires major platforms including; Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube to block underage users from creating or accessing accounts.
The government says the policy is intended to protect young people from harmful content, cyberbullying, and inappropriate interactions online.
“Our priority is keeping Australian children safe,” Albanese stated. “Social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure their products do not harm young minds.”
What are the Primary concerns?
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, in an interview tempered expectations about immediate results, acknowledging that the rollout would face “teething problems.”
“I don’t expect that [under-16 accounts] are all going to magically disappear,” she said. Grant also warned of potential “blatant non-compliance” from tech companies but added, “we’ve got plans for that.”
Meanwhile, the ban is already facing legal resistance. Two teenagers, backed by a human rights organization, are preparing to challenge the law in Australia’s highest court. They argue that the ban violates young people’s right to free communication and called on social media companies and the government to focus instead on combating harmful content online.
One of the challengers, Macy Newland, told the BBC that the law would disrupt personal relationships and limit access to information. “Democracy doesn’t start at 16 as this law says it will,” she stated.
Public reaction among teens has been divided. While some have expressed frustration, one calling the ban “insulting” while.others were more accepting, suggesting they would “quickly get over it.”
Infact, a teenager interviewed by the BBC displayed her now-blocked social media accounts, illustrating the immediate impact of the restrictions.
UK Takes Different Approach to Online Safety
While the UK is not pursuing an outright ban on social media for minors, it has implemented its own stringent regulations under the Online Safety Act, which came into force in July. The law requires social media and online platforms to protect children from harmful content, including pornography, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorder-related material or face substantial fines.
Under the Act’s Children’s Codes, platforms must adjust algorithms to filter harmful content from children’s feeds, implement age verification measures, and swiftly remove dangerous material.
Digital rights advocates in Australia have raised concerns that an outright ban could push young users toward unregulated corners of the internet or isolate those who rely on social platforms for community and support.
The Australian government has indicated it will closely monitor compliance and adjust the policy as needed.
