Australia is preparing to enforce a major new law that will block children under the age of 16 from using popular social media platforms.
The ban, which takes effect this month, is part of a nationwide effort to protect young users from online harm, exposure to dangerous content and growing mental-health risks linked to excessive digital use.
Under the law, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and others will be required to remove existing accounts belonging to under-16 users.
They will also be responsible for preventing new sign-ups through stronger verification systems and regular monitoring to ensure compliance.
Authorities say the move is necessary as harmful online trends, bullying cases and privacy breaches continue to rise among teenagers.
Government officials described the new regulations as a “child-safety measure,” insisting that protecting young people must remain a national priority.
Technology experts, however, argue that enforcing the ban may be challenging, as many children often register accounts using false ages.
They warn that without strict age-verification tools, the law may lead to loopholes that determined users can still exploit, making enforcement uneven and difficult.
Parents’ groups have welcomed the decision, saying the ban will ease pressure on children and limit exposure to addiction-forming platforms.
Many families hope the change will reduce online peer pressure and shift teenagers’ focus back toward healthier offline activities.
Critics argue that the ban could also restrict young people’s ability to access news, communities and educational content.
They say that social media has become a central part of modern communication, and removing young users entirely may widen the digital divide.
With global attention on Australia’s decision, analysts believe other countries may soon consider similar steps.
For now, all eyes remain on how smoothly the ban will be implemented and how platforms will adapt to the tough new rules.
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