For the first time, the Australian government has taken up the initiative to make a law to ban social media for children under 16 years of age. This comes after analysing legitimate concerns about how social media handles like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc, can negatively affect young generation.

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Social Media Ban in Australia:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a ban on social media platforms for children under 16 years of age in the country. The ban applies to who already have a social media account even with parental consent.

In addition, Australia’s Minister of Communications Michelle Rowland said that YouTube is also likely to fall under the ban category. The Australian government will also introduce legislation in parliament this year, and the law will come into effect 12 months after parliamentarians approve it.

Social Media Platforms Affected Under This Ban:

As per a report, platforms such as X (formerly known as X), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, YouTube Kids and Snapchat won’t be available to children under 16 years of age. It’s important to note that the new social media law won’t impose any penalties on users who fail to comply.

Though several countries in the past have pledged to restrict the social media use among children via legislation, Australia has become the first one to do so. Additionally, France had also proposed a ban on social media for kids under 15 years of age, but parental consent allowed them to avoid it.

Issues Among Children Under 16 That Social Media Have Contributed:

1. Sleep Disorder

2. Cyberbullying

3. Harmful Content Exposure

4. Privacy and Data Risk

5. Mental Health Crack-up and more.