Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Australia has become the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access to platforms and causing millions of children and teenagers to lose access to their accounts.
Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit,
Kick, Twitch and TikTok are expected to have taken steps from Wednesday, Dec.
10, to remove accounts held by users under 16 years of age in Australia, and
prevent those teens from registering new accounts.
Ten of the biggest platforms were ordered to block children
from midnight on Wednesday (1300 GMT on Tuesday) or face fines of up to A$49.5
million ($33 million) under the new law, which drew criticism from
major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was welcomed by
parents and child advocates.
The ban is being closely watched by other countries
considering similar age-based measures amid growing concerns about
the impact of social media on children's health and safety.
In a video message that Sky News Australia said would be
played in schools this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban aimed
to support young Australians and ease the pressure that can come from endless
feeds and algorithms.
"Make the most of the school holidays coming up. Rather
than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new
instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your
shelf," he said.
"And importantly, spend quality time with your friends
and your family, face to face."
The rollout ends a year of speculation about whether a
country can block children from using technology embedded in modern life.
Parents and children won't be punished for breaking the ban,
but companies face fines for breaches.
The government says the ban is aimed at protecting
young people from harmful content, but critics suggest it could isolate
vulnerable teenagers and push children into unregulated corners of the
internet.
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