Australia passes first-ever social media ban for people under 16

With the support of the conservative opposition, the Australian Labour government obtained the approval in the Senate, by 34 votes to 19, of a law that prohibits the use of social networks to children under 16 years of age. In the lax scenario in which they proliferate, the rule that will govern from November 2025 imposes strict controls and penalties. Just as it does not specify on which platforms the prohibition will apply, it does not include…

It is an ambitious social experiment of our historic moment, one that according to experts could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have tried with varying degrees of success: keeping children away from social networks until they turn 16.

Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could it work in the US?

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments...

Australia’s social media ban for young kids raises questions about enforcement

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history—one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools, and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16.Australia’s new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life—formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization, and, of course, the i…

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s: New Law Faces Off with Tech Giants

In a bold move to safeguard young people online, Australia has introduced a new ban restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the measure, stating that it was a significant step in delivering on the country’s commitment to support parents and protect children from the dangers of social media. The decision was backed by the passing of the Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024, which se…

The decision of Australian politicians to ban the use of social media by under 16s speaks more about the maturity of adults than children. A law adopted hastily before the upcoming elections can acquire an infantile image despite noble intentions, says Kristjan Port in R2's technical commentary.