Australia has become the first country to ban social media access for users under the age of 16, with the new law taking effect on Monday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the ban, which requires major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube to enforce age restrictions and prevent 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.”
However, reactions among young Australians have been divided. In interviews with the BBC, some teens expressed frustration, with one calling the ban “insulting.” Others were more accepting, suggesting they would “quickly get over it.”
A teenager showed the BBC her now-blocked social media accounts, highlighting the immediate impact of the new rules.
Digital rights advocates have also raised concerns about privacy and enforcement, questioning how platforms will verify ages without collecting excessive personal data.
The Australian government has indicated it will monitor compliance closely and work with platforms to refine the policy over time.
